Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has taken legal action to stop tech billionaire Elon Musk's controversial $1 million giveaway to registered voters, labeling it an 'illegal lottery scheme.' The civil lawsuit filed by Krasner targets Musk and his pro-Trump group, America PAC.
The lawsuit alleges that America PAC and Musk are enticing Philadelphia citizens and others to provide personal information and make a political pledge in exchange for a chance to win $1 million, constituting an unlawful lottery under Pennsylvania law.
Krasner's office argues that state law mandates lotteries to be operated and administered by the state, and Musk's daily $1 million giveaway falls outside these legal boundaries. The lawsuit questions the randomness of winner selection, pointing out that individuals who attended Trump rallies in Pennsylvania have been among the winners.
The lawsuit is based on Pennsylvania's lottery and consumer protection laws, with Krasner clarifying that it does not pertain to laws prohibiting vote-buying. The US Justice Department has also cautioned Musk's super PAC about potential violations of federal laws prohibiting cash incentives for voter registration.
Musk, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has promoted the $1 million prize through his political action committee to boost voter registrations in battleground states. The legality of Musk's voter giveaway has drawn scrutiny from election law experts and state officials since its inception.
President Joe Biden criticized Musk's voter giveaway as 'totally inappropriate' but refrained from commenting on its legality or potential election interference. Biden jokingly remarked, 'Tell him I'm registered! A million dollars,' when asked about the giveaway.
