DOJ warns Elon Musk PAC on $1M giveaway to registered voters
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The Department of Justice has warned Elon Musk’s America PAC that the $1M cash giveaway promised to registered voters that sign a petition may violate federal law, according to multiple media reports.
Musk promised to give $1M daily until Election Day to voters registered in swing states who sign an online petition supporting the First and Second Amendments. At least four voters have been awarded $1M checks so far.
This immediately raised alarm bells among legal experts and state officials, as federal law bars paying people to influence votes.
The DOJ’s warning letter to Musk’s PAC did not specify immediate legal action, according to election news website 24sight. But it listed the penalties for breaking voting laws, including fines of up to $10,000 or potential imprisonment of up to five years.
In response to author Stephen King’s claim that Musk was “paying to register Republicans,” the Tesla (TSLA) CEO said winners can be from any political party and they “don’t even have to vote.” To note, Musk’s America PAC has committed $75M to the Trump campaign.
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