Elon Musk’s latest initiative to support Donald Trump during the election offering $1 million a day to voters who sign a petition has come under fire from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ is concerned that this campaign may violate federal election laws.
Robert Heberle, head of the DOJ’s election crimes division, recently sent Musk a stern letter cautioning that providing cash incentives to sway voters is not only unethical but also illegal. While the letter did not indicate immediate legal action, it outlined the potential repercussions for breaching US voting laws, including imprisonment for up to five years.
Musk’s initiative, hosted on the “America PAC” website, invites eligible voters in crucial swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin to sign a petition affirming their support for the First and Second Amendments. The aim is to gather one million signatures by November 5. Several individuals have reportedly already received their promised $1 million, including a participant named “Andy from Holly Springs, NC,” who Musk publicly congratulated.
So far, neither Musk, his America PAC, nor their legal representatives have responded to the DOJ’s warning. Critics of Musk’s electoral strategy have voiced their disapproval; for instance, Tim Walz, speaking at a Wisconsin rally, remarked that Musk is using his wealth to “help Trump buy an election,” expressing skepticism about Musk’s intentions.
As Musk continues his daily giveaways, the question remains whether this controversial campaign will proceed without legal complications, or if his attempts to play the role of election benefactor will backfire.