Elon Musk’s controversial $1 million daily donations to voters continued yesterday after he won a court victory against Democrats who claim the giveaway is illegal.
Pennsylvania District Attorney Larry Krasner, an elected Democrat, sued Musk and his pro-Trump fundraising committee, alleging a violation of lottery laws.
But Judge Angelo Foglietta moved the case to federal court, likely delaying it until after the election and thus allowing the donations to continue.
The decision marked a success for Musk, who was told to stop the gifts, and came even though he ignored the judge’s demand that he attend the hearing. His refusal to attend risked being charged with contempt of court, but Judge Foglietta decided not to discipline him.
Musk has been handing out million-dollar checks to randomly selected people who sign a petition pledging support for free speech and the right to bear arms. The petition is apparently open to all voters, but focuses on priority issues for Republicans.
Elon Musk presented Kristine Fishell with a check for $1 million. Musk has been handing out $1 million checks to randomly selected people who sign a petition pledging support for free speech and the right to bear arms.
Musk, 53, who also owns X, formerly Twitter, has poured his millions, time and considerable influence into backing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump since endorsing him in July.
Musk, the richest man in the world, would have donated $118 million to his political action committee, an organization that raises funds for the elections.
The offer is limited to voters registered in one of seven states that will likely decide the outcome of the election: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Critics have claimed that the measure constitutes a violation of electoral law. The case brought by Mr. Krasner says it involves an “illegal lottery scheme to influence voters.”
Musk’s attorney, Matthew Haverstick, said yesterday that Musk is an extremely busy man who could not simply “materialize” in the courtroom hours after the hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.
Prosecutor John Summers said the owner of rocket company SpaceX could easily come forward if he were willing to do so.
But the judge sparked laughter in court when he responded: ‘Counsel, you’re not going to get on a rocket and land on the building.
“You’re not going to get on a rocket and take it to Philadelphia; let’s be serious.”
He moved the case to federal court after Musk’s lawyers argued that the case involves claims of federal election interference that can only be heard in a higher court.
Musk, 53, who also owns X, formerly Twitter, has poured his millions, time and considerable influence into backing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump since endorsing him in July.
Musk, the richest man in the world, would have donated $118 million to his political action committee, an organization that raises funds for the elections.
