Elon Musk and his political action committee, America PAC, have agreed to settle two proposed class-action lawsuits accusing them of misleading voters with promises of daily $1 million giveaways in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election.
The settlement agreements were disclosed in court filings on Thursday. However, the terms remain undisclosed, and the deals still require approval from a federal judge in Austin, Texas.
The lawsuits were brought by two Arizona residents who alleged that Musk and America PAC encouraged voters in seven battleground states to sign a petition supporting the US Constitution by dangling the prospect of winning $1 million each day.
The plaintiffs argued that the giveaway campaign misled participants during a closely contested election, when voter mobilisation in swing states carried particular political significance.
Musk and America PAC have denied the allegations. Neither the court filings nor the parties involved revealed the financial or other conditions agreed upon to resolve the disputes.
The legal battle had already taken a significant turn earlier this year. In June, a federal judge ordered Musk to testify in the cases, raising the prospect that the billionaire would have to answer questions about the operation of the election-related giveaway.
Musk established America PAC to support Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign in 2024. The committee became a prominent part of his political involvement during the election, including its efforts to mobilise voters in key states.
The proposed settlements could bring the two cases closer to resolution, provided the court approves the agreements. For now, questions surrounding the terms of the deals and the precise circumstances of the disputed giveaway remain unanswered.
