A Pennsylvania judge has cleared Elon Musk’s contentious $1 million-a-day voter giveaway to proceed, just one day before the fiercely contested U.S. presidential election. The court drama unfolded as Musk’s aide admitted that winners were handpicked by Musk’s political group, America PAC, rather than being chosen randomly.
This last-minute legal showdown came as Musk’s pro-Trump PAC faced off with Philadelphia’s District Attorney, who argued the giveaway functioned as an “illegal lottery” that manipulated voter sentiment in a battleground state. The stakes are especially high, with Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes poised to heavily influence the electoral outcome between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.
America PAC, which launched the contest on October 19, offers voters in seven swing states a shot at the jackpot if they sign a petition supporting free speech and gun rights. While the official story presented by Musk promised random selection, America PAC’s director, Chris Young, testified that winners were picked based on their ability to amplify a pro-Trump agenda, examining their social media profiles and even meeting them outside event venues.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who sued to halt the contest, slammed the operation as both an illegal lottery and a fraudulent endeavor. Musk’s camp fired back, asserting the giveaways were simply compensating spokespersons. The judge’s decision to let the giveaway continue, despite Krasner’s allegations, means Musk’s millions will keep flowing as America PAC announces one last winner from Michigan on Election Day.
Musk’s unprecedented financial involvement in the election — funneling nearly $120 million into voter outreach and registration efforts — has prompted federal warnings but, as yet, no public action from the Department of Justice. As Pennsylvania holds its breath on the eve of one of the most polarized elections in history, the billionaire’s influence looms large.