Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Jimmy Williams
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a warning to Elon Musk’s super PAC, America PAC, over its controversial $1 million daily giveaway in key battleground states. The DOJ’s Public Integrity Section, which handles election-related cases, has raised concerns that the super PAC’s initiative could violate federal election laws, particularly a prohibition against paying people to register to vote, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Pressure has been growing on state and federal authorities to investigate Musk’s lottery as it navigates a legal gray area. The giveaway, which Musk launched to promote voter participation in states like Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, has caught the attention of ex-prosecutors and election watchdogs. On Monday, a group of former government officials formally requested the DOJ investigate the super PAC’s operation.
Legal experts are divided on whether Musk’s contest constitutes a violation of election law. Matthew Sanderson, an election law expert and NBC News consultant, expressed doubt that the initiative breaks the law, saying, “I can see what people are saying when they argue this violates the law, but I don’t think it does.”
America PAC, confident in the legality of the initiative, has so far awarded $1 million each to four winners. According to the contest rules, participants must be registered voters in one of seven swing states and sign a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments. Musk’s super PAC has also required winners to act as “spokespersons” for free speech and gun rights, with some publicly supporting former President Donald Trump in promotional videos.
Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, has endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election and launched the super PAC to bolster his campaign efforts. Last week, Musk made several appearances in Pennsylvania encouraging last-minute voter registration and promoting the daily giveaway.
The legal battle around Musk’s initiative could have lasting implications on how super PACs engage with voters in the digital age. As the DOJ reviews the case, it remains to be seen whether the contest will continue through Election Day or face further legal challenges.
Musk’s $1 million daily giveaway has sparked controversy as critics argue it may violate federal laws designed to prevent paying for voter participation. The DOJ’s response will be closely watched as the race to the 2024 election heats up.
