Elon Musk’s $1 Million Giveaway Sparks Legal Controversy Ahead of US Election

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has ignited a firestorm of legal scrutiny with his recent announcement of a US$1 million (S$1.3 million) giveaway to registered voters in swing states. This ambitious campaign aims to encourage voter participation ahead of the US presidential election on 5 November 2024.

A Controversial Contest

The contest, revealed on 19 October 2024, requires participants to sign a petition advocating for “free speech & the right to bear arms” to be eligible for the daily cash prizes. Critics, however, are questioning the legality of such a move.

Legal Concerns Raised

According to Professor Danielle Lang of Georgetown Law, the scheme could violate federal laws against providing financial incentives for voter registration. She stated,

“It is illegal to give out money on the condition that recipients register as voters.”

The US Department of Justice has already stepped in, sending a letter to Musk’s super PAC warning about potential violations related to the giveaway.

Mixed Reactions

While some experts see it as an infringement on electoral integrity, others, including former Federal Election Commission chairman Brad Smith, view it as a grey area. He noted that since Musk is not directly paying for voter registration, he might be within his rights.

Political Backing

Musk has been openly supportive of Republican Donald Trump, having invested at least US$75 million into pro-Trump initiatives. During a rally, he encouraged supporters to motivate their friends and family to vote, sparking debates about ethical campaigning strategies.

What Lies Ahead?

As the election draws nearer, the focus remains on whether Musk’s high-stakes contest will lead to legal repercussions or if it will successfully galvanize voter turnout in key swing states like Pennsylvania, where the campaign was launched.