Legal Challenges Loom Over PAC Linked to Elon Musk’s Political Activities

Elon Musk’s America PAC faces potential legal trouble over a controversial voter incentive program in swing states.

At a Glance

Republican lawyers call for federal investigations into Musk’s America PAC for possible election law violations
The PAC is offering $1 million daily to registered voters who sign a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments
Legal experts warn the initiative may breach federal statutes against paying for voter registration
The Department of Justice has received complaints but hasn’t confirmed an investigation
The program targets seven swing states and aims to gather 1 million signatures

Republican Lawyers Demand Investigation

A group of Republican lawyers and officials has raised alarm bells over Elon Musk’s America PAC, calling for federal investigations into potential violations of election laws. The controversy centers on the PAC’s initiative offering financial incentives to registered voters in swing states for signing a petition related to the First and Second Amendments.

In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, the group highlighted possible infringements of 52 U.S.C. § 10307(c), which prohibits financial transactions linked to voter registration efforts. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the group’s statement:

“We are aware of nothing like this in modern political history.” – Source

The Department of Justice has acknowledged receipt of the complaints but has not yet confirmed whether an investigation will be launched.

Elon Musk’s daily $1 million lottery for registered swing state voters who sign his Super PAC’s political petition falls into a legal gray area and could potentially violate election law, three experts say. https://t.co/icLy6xQuXW

— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 21, 2024

The Controversial Giveaway

Musk’s America PAC, which backs Trump’s election bid, announced a $1 million daily giveaway to swing state voters who sign their petition. The initiative targets registered voters in seven crucial states: Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. The first winner, John Dreher, was named at a Trump rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

“clearly illegal” – Source

This stark assessment comes from election lawyer Rick Hasen, who cites federal laws against paying for voter registration or voting. The initiative also includes additional payments for referrals and a daily $1 million giveaway for petition signers from October 19 until Election Day.

Legal and Political Implications

The legality of Musk’s initiative has been called into question by various legal experts. Paul Schiff Berman, a legal scholar, articulated the potential legal pitfalls:

“I believe Musk’s offer is likely illegal. Under 52 U.S.C. 10307(c): ‘Whoever knowingly or willfully… pays or offers to pay or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.’ His offer is only open to registered voters, so I think his offer runs afoul of this provision.” – Source

The initiative has also drawn criticism from political figures. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed concerns about the legality and implications of the giveaway, describing it as “deeply concerning.” The controversy highlights the fine line between innovative political engagement and potential election law violations.

Musk’s America PAC, based in Texas where there is no specific ban on pay-per-signature compensation, has received $75 million from the tech mogul and spent $72 million supporting Trump’s campaign. The PAC employs up to 400 people in each of the seven swing states for campaign activities, demonstrating the scale of its operations.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for campaign finance laws and the role of wealthy individuals in shaping electoral processes.