
(Cupventi.com) – Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner filed a lawsuit on Monday against Elon Musk and his political action committee, America PAC, aiming to halt their controversial daily giveaway of $1 million to a registered swing-state voter who signs their petition. Krasner’s legal challenge alleges that Musk and the PAC’s lottery is unlawful, deceptive, and fails to meet key requirements under Pennsylvania law.
In the legal complaint, Krasner asserts, “America PAC and Musk are lulling Philadelphia citizens – and others in the Commonwealth (and other swing states in the upcoming election) – to give up their personal identifying information and make a political pledge in exchange for the chance to win $1 million.” The lawsuit raises concerns about the potential misuse of personal data and argues that the lottery is nothing more than a questionable tactic to gather voter information under the guise of cash giveaways.
🚨BREAKING: The Philadelphia District Attorney is suing Elon Musk over his $1 million-a-day voter giveaway.
— Jack (@jackunheard) October 28, 2024
They are horrified of losing Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/G1Y16Hepe4
Pennsylvania state law requires that all lotteries be regulated by government entities, and Krasner contends that Musk’s giveaway clearly contravenes these regulations. Additionally, the lawsuit claims the lottery violates consumer protection laws in Pennsylvania, as Musk and America PAC “have not published a complete set of lottery rules or shown how they are protecting the privacy of participants’ personal information.” To date, Musk and his PAC have not responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations.
The controversy centers on America PAC’s and Musk’s efforts to incentivize individuals to sign a political petition with cash prizes. The petition itself is tied to a pledge to support the First and Second Amendments of the United States Constitution, specifically focusing on free speech, religious freedom, and the right to bear arms. Signatories to the petition pledge their support for these rights, which have become a major point of emphasis in Musk’s public statements and online presence.
The lawsuit further accuses Musk of falsely advertising the lottery as a random giveaway, highlighting concerns that the winners may not actually be chosen randomly. According to the complaint, “multiple winners that have been selected are individuals who have shown up at Trump rallies in Pennsylvania.” This claim suggests a partisan bent to the selection process, further undermining the legitimacy of the lottery and casting doubt on Musk’s assertions of fairness.
The outspoken tech billionaire has been vocal about his political stance, openly endorsing former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. Musk’s public endorsement of Trump aligns with the political goals of America PAC, which has been actively working to mobilize swing-state voters. The lawsuit alleges that Musk’s lottery, far from being a neutral giveaway, may be selectively awarding individuals based on their political leanings.
In addition to the $1 million lottery, Musk and America PAC have pledged to give $100 to every registered voter who signs the petition. However, the lawsuit notes that there is little evidence to support that these payments have actually been made, further raising suspicions about the overall legitimacy of the PAC’s activities. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office stated that “Musk and the PAC have yet to demonstrate that they have fulfilled these promises, potentially misleading voters with empty incentives.”
Concerns regarding the legality of Musk’s giveaway have also caught the attention of federal authorities. The U.S. Department of Justice issued a warning letter to America PAC last week, cautioning them about potential violations of federal election law. Federal statutes prohibit offering any financial incentives in exchange for registering to vote, and there are fears that the nature of Musk’s lottery could breach these provisions. By requiring individuals to be registered voters in order to participate, Musk’s giveaway could be interpreted as an inducement for voter registration—a practice forbidden by federal law.
Despite these growing legal concerns, Musk has appeared undeterred. Following the DOJ warning, the PAC did not announce a winner on Wednesday but continued by declaring two winners on Thursday, even as scrutiny surrounding the initiative heightened. These announcements were met with skepticism from Krasner’s office, given that the legal challenges were still ongoing.
Krasner’s lawsuit, filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, seeks an order that would bar Musk and his PAC from continuing to engage in “any unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with their lottery.” The legal action emphasizes the need for transparency, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection in the operation of any lottery—particularly one tied to the highly sensitive arena of electoral politics.
Critics of Musk argue that the giveaway represents a troubling blend of wealth, power, and politics, leveraging personal fortunes to influence the democratic process. While America PAC and Musk maintain that the campaign is simply an effort to engage citizens and promote constitutional rights, opponents worry that it undermines fair play and transparency in elections, with major ethical and legal concerns looming large.
For now, Musk and America PAC’s lottery remains embroiled in controversy, with both state and federal authorities turning their attention to its potentially far-reaching implications. As Krasner’s lawsuit moves forward, the outcome may set a precedent for how campaigns are conducted and how money is used to influence voters in an era where political endorsements can often blur the line between grassroots mobilization and undue influence.