Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, has recently come under scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) for a voter incentive initiative that may violate federal law. The political action committee (PAC) America Pac, backed by Musk, has been offering a daily prize of $1 million to registered voters who sign a petition advocating for constitutional protections, including free speech and the right to bear arms. This initiative has caught the attention of federal authorities due to concerns that it might infringe upon U.S. laws that prohibit offering financial incentives for voter registration.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the DoJ has issued a warning to America Pac, indicating that Musk’s giveaways might be in violation of laws designed to prevent the manipulation of voter registration through financial incentives. These laws are aimed at maintaining the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that voters are not swayed by monetary rewards. While America Pac and Musk’s representatives have yet to respond to requests for comment, the DoJ has refrained from making any official statements, as the issue was first reported by CNN.
Musk’s Support for Trump and Campaign Contributions
Musk’s involvement in the political landscape has grown significantly in recent years, with the tech billionaire emerging as a prominent supporter of Donald Trump. As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, Musk has taken an active role in campaigning for the former president, who is facing off against Vice President Kamala Harris in a closely contested race. Musk has been appearing at rallies and events across key swing states, promoting both Trump’s candidacy and his own initiative to reward voters.
In the past week, Elon Musk awarded $1 million prizes to audience members during rallies in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as McKees Rocks. Another prize was given in Holly Springs, North Carolina. These public displays of financial generosity have raised further questions about the legality and ethical implications of Musk’s actions.
Elon Musk has also contributed significant financial support to the pro-Trump cause. In the third quarter of the year, he donated nearly $75 million to America Pac, which has spent over $133 million in support of Trump’s campaign, according to filings by OpenSecrets, an independent nonprofit organization that tracks campaign finance data.
Controversial Petition and Additional Incentives
America Pac’s petition, which Musk is backing, aims to rally support for fundamental constitutional rights. However, the methods being used to gather signatures have drawn criticism. According to a social media post from America Pac on X (formerly Twitter, and owned by Musk), registered voters in swing states who sign the petition are eligible to win $1 million as spokespersons for the PAC. Additionally, the petition promises $47 for each registered voter referred by an individual to sign it.
The Trump campaign has further deepened its collaboration with Elon Musk, announcing that he would match donations raised through text message drives for Trump’s campaign. While Musk’s financial influence is undeniable, the legal ramifications of his voter incentive strategy may create further challenges for both the campaign and Musk’s reputation as Election Day approaches.