Tech billionaire Elon Musk has sparked controversy by pledging to give away $1 million a day to registered voters in key swing states until the U.S. presidential election on November 5. The giveaway, organized by Musk’s campaign group America PAC, aims to support former President Donald Trump’s bid to return to the White House.
Participants in the lottery-style contest are required to sign a petition supporting the U.S. Constitution, specifically backing free speech and gun rights, to qualify for the daily prize. The first check was handed out to an attendee at a town hall in Pennsylvania, with more expected in the coming days.
However, the move has drawn criticism. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat and supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, labeled Musk’s strategy “deeply concerning.” Additionally, election law experts are questioning the legality of the initiative. Rick Hasen, a law professor at UCLA, argued that Musk’s offer may violate federal laws prohibiting payments to influence voter registration or voting, a crime that can carry penalties of up to $10,000 or five years in prison.
Musk’s America PAC seeks to gather support in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan, using tactics like petition signing and voter data collection, which are common in political campaigns. While the contest may exploit a legal loophole, critics are concerned about its impact on election integrity.
Both Musk and America PAC have yet to comment on the growing controversy, which adds another layer of complexity to the 2024 presidential race.