United States: Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and founder of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has launched a controversial initiative to support Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Musk announced that he will provide $1 million a day to registered voters in key swing states until the U.S. presidential election on November 5.
The winners, selected at random, must mark a pro-U.S. Constitution petition organised by Musk’s AmericaPAC, a political action committee he established to bolster Trump’s White House bid. The first $1 million prize was granted during a town hall event in Pennsylvania, followed by a second distribution.
Musk’s initiative is desired in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, all of which are anticipated to play pivotal roles in deciding the next U.S. president. Voters in Pennsylvania are also receiving $100 for signing the petition and an additional $100 for each referral, while those in other battleground states are offered $47 per referral.
This giveaway has sparked legal concerns. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, criticised Musk’s strategy as “deeply concerning,” while election law expert Rick Hasen labelled it “clearly illegal”. Hasen argued that the endeavour breaks federal law prohibiting payments for voter registration or participation in elections. However, the campaign may influence a legal loophole since the money isn’t being paid directly for voting but for signing a petition that aligns with Trump supporters’ values, including free speech and gun rights.
Despite legal uncertainties, Musk’s financial contributions have made AmericaPAC a key performer in Trump’s campaign.
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