Elon Musk’s $1m daily giveaway at Trump rally raises legal concerns

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has ignited controversy with his announcement to give away $1 million each day until the November election to participants who sign his online petition.

This initiative was launched during a recent PAC event supporting former President Donald Trump in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where Musk awarded the first prize to attendee John Dreher. “By the way, John had no idea. So anyway, you’re welcome,” Musk stated as he presented Dreher with the check.

Musk’s cash giveaway has sparked significant legal scrutiny, with election law experts questioning the legality of these payments. Federal law strictly prohibits cash incentives intended to induce or reward individuals for voting or registering to vote.

This includes not only cash but also any item of monetary value, such as liquor or lottery chances. “It’s deeply concerning, and it’s something that law enforcement could take a look at,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” highlighting the potential ramifications of Musk’s approach.

The event in Harrisburg marked the third in a series of rallies in Pennsylvania aimed at galvanizing support for Trump’s presidential campaign. During his remarks, Musk framed the upcoming election as a pivotal moment, warning that a victory for Vice President Kamala Harris would signal “the last election.” He also referenced two recent assassination attempts on Trump, suggesting they reflect the former president’s disruptive impact on the political landscape.

Musk’s initiative is part of a broader effort to mobilize voters through his newly founded political action committee, America PAC. While the group is designed to register and support voters in battleground states, it has faced challenges in achieving its objectives. Federal disclosures reveal that Musk has contributed at least $75 million to America PAC, making it a critical player in Trump’s campaign strategy.

Attendees at Musk’s event were required to sign a petition pledging support for the First and Second Amendments, allowing America PAC to collect contact information for further voter outreach. The implications of Musk’s actions are significant, not only for the integrity of the electoral process but also for his increasing alignment with Republican causes.

Trump has publicly acknowledged Musk’s influence, stating that he would consider appointing him to lead a government efficiency commission if re-elected. As the election approaches, the intersection of wealth and politics continues to raise questions about the future of campaign finance and voter integrity.