Billionaire Elon Musk is under the spotlight again after his ambitious plan to give away US$1 million (S$1.31 million) each day until the upcoming election. This came to light during a pro-Trump rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he handed a US$1 million cheque to an unsuspecting attendee, John Dreher.
Musk’s initiative aims to gather support for his online petition endorsing the First and Second Amendments. By simply signing this petition, registered voters have the chance to receive cash, with Musk stating, “By the way, John had no idea. So anyway, you’re welcome” while presenting the cheque.
Pennsylvania’s Governor Raises Concerns
However, not everyone is pleased with Musk’s move. Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his worries, suggesting that law enforcement should investigate the legality of Musk’s actions. According to Shapiro, this plan is “deeply concerning” and may warrant closer examination.
What’s at Stake?
The cash giveaways have raised eyebrows, particularly given the potential violation of federal laws against incentivising voter registration or casting votes. Authorities state that offering money or valuable items to influence voter behaviour is a serious offence.
A Battle for Votes
With November’s presidential election approaching, Musk’s America PAC, which has already received at least US$75 million from him, is pivotal in rallying support for Republican Donald Trump against his Democratic rival, Vice-President Kamala Harris. The stakes couldn’t be higher in battleground states like Pennsylvania, where both candidates aim to secure every possible vote.
Legal Loopholes or Just Panic?
To qualify for Musk’s daily donation, petition signers must be registered voters in specific swing states, including Pennsylvania, and also benefit from a US$100 referral bonus for bringing in additional voters—distracting from the ethical concerns swirling around this campaign.
Musk’s foray into politics and his support for Trump is certainly not new, but the methods he’s employing are sparking a heated debate. As observers keenly watch how this unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Musk can weather the storm of scrutiny while attempting to influence one of the most crucial elections in recent US history.