Elon Musk, the successful entrepreneur and CEO of companies like SpaceX and Tesla, has once again come under fire from Democratic politicians for his actions. But this time, he has a strong supporter in the form of a Pennsylvania judge.
Judge Angelo Foglietta of the Philadelphia County Common Pleas Court dismissed a plea from Democratic Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to block Musk’s daily $1 million giveaways to registered swing state voters who signed a pledge to uphold the First and Second Amendments. CNBC reported that Krasner had sued Musk’s political action committee America PAC for an injunction to the giveaway, claiming it was a “grift,” a “scam” and an “illegal lottery.”
However, Musk’s team argued that it is not a lottery at all. According to Chris Gober, America PAC’s former treasurer, “The $1 million recipients are not chosen by chance. We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow.” This statement was supported by America PAC’s current treasurer Chris Young, who rejected the term “randomly” used by Musk in October to select the winners. “Not the word I would have selected,” he told the court, as reported by CNBC.
Musk had initially announced his plan to fund the giveaways during an October 19 Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. And it seems that Krasner’s lawsuit was not the only challenge he faced. Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro had also expressed concern about the giveaways, stating that they were “deeply concerning” and insinuating that law enforcement could investigate the matter. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice reportedly sent a letter to Musk, warning him that the giveaways may violate laws against paying people to register or vote in elections.
Despite these challenges, America PAC has continued with its plan, giving out over $17 million to people who have signed the petition and announcing the final payment to be made on Tuesday. And Musk’s actions have not gone unnoticed. As the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, he has already donated over $75 million to America PAC, which he co-founded with fellow Silicon Valley venture capitalists and tech businessmen to support Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump.
It is not surprising that Krasner is also suing Musk civilly over the giveaway, claiming that America PAC has violated Pennsylvania lottery and consumer protection laws. But with the support of a Pennsylvania judge, it seems that Musk will prevail in his efforts to engage people in the political process and support his preferred candidate. After all, Musk has always been a strong advocate for Trump, and his actions demonstrate his unwavering support for the President.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is threatening Elon Musk over giving $1M every day to registered swing state voters who sign the @America PAC petition in support of The Constitution.
“That is deeply concerning.. It’s something that law enforcement could take a look at.” pic.twitter.com/LMrAz7xEka
— ALX ???????? (@alx) October 20, 2024
Musk’s daily $1 million giveaways to voters in Pennsylvania have caused quite a stir among Democratic politicians. However, with the support of a Pennsylvania judge and his own determination to support Trump’s re-election, Musk has continued with his plan and given out millions of dollars to registered voters. As a successful businessman and a vocal supporter of Trump, Musk’s actions in this regard only strengthen his commitment to both his principles and his preferred candidate.