Elon Musk's super PAC recently awarded two $1 million prizes to registered voters in Michigan and Wisconsin. This move came after the Justice Department warned that such payments might be illegal. The pro-Donald Trump super PAC, led by Musk, had been conducting daily sweepstakes, with winners announced each day. However, the program faced scrutiny when the Justice Department raised concerns about potential violations of federal election laws.
The sweepstakes required participants to sign a petition affirming their support for free speech and the right to bear arms. Only registered voters in seven battleground states were eligible to participate, raising questions about the legality of the initiative. Legal experts pointed out that making voter registration a prerequisite for entering the sweepstakes could be problematic under federal law.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a prominent figure in the tech industry, has been actively involved in supporting Trump's reelection campaign. He has donated significant amounts to America PAC, the super PAC he helped establish. Musk's efforts to boost voter registration among Trump supporters have included hosting campaign events and promoting the sweepstakes.
Despite the Justice Department's warning, Musk's super PAC continued with the prize giveaways, naming two winners on Thursday. The group has framed the $1 million prize money as a salary for the selected 'spokespeople' who are expected to advocate for Trump publicly. The super PAC has faced criticism for its approach, with concerns raised about the potential impact on the electoral process.
While the controversy surrounding the sweepstakes persists, Musk remains committed to his efforts to support Trump's reelection campaign. The donations received by America PAC, including contributions from the DeVos family, have enabled Musk's group to fund canvassing and field operations in key battleground states. The ongoing campaign activities aim to bolster Trump's chances in the upcoming election.
