Philadelphia DA Sues Elon Musk’s PAC Over $1 Million Giveaway in Battleground States
Lawsuit Alleges Illegal Lottery Scheme Violates State Consumer Protection Laws
The Philadelphia district attorney’s office has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a political action committee controlled by billionaire Elon Musk from awarding US$1 million to registered US voters in battleground states ahead of the November 5 election. The complaint was filed against America PAC, which backs Republican former President Donald Trump, and claims the giveaway is an “illegal lottery” that entices Pennsylvania residents to share personal data.
Lawrence Krasner Alleges Giveaways Violate State Consumer Protection Laws
According to the complaint, law enforcement alleged that the giveaways violate state consumer protection laws. “If not enjoined, their lottery scheme will irreparably harm Philadelphians – and others in Pennsylvanians – and tarnish the public’s right to a free and fair election,” the complaint read.
Response from America PAC
In response to a request for comment, an America PAC spokesman sent a link to the group’s latest post on X, which was published after news of the lawsuit. The post identified a Michigan resident who received the US$1 million prize and said additional awards would be handed out every day until the election.
Pennsylvania’s Importance in the Presidential Election
Pennsylvania is one of seven battleground states where the presidential election between Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, is set to be decided. Whichever candidate wins the state will receive its 19 electoral votes out of a total of 270 needed to win.
Justice Department Warns of Possible Violations of Federal Law
The justice department has sent a letter to America PAC warning that the billionaire Tesla chief executive’s giveaways for registered voters who sign his free-speech and gun-rights petition may violate federal law, CNN reported last week. Legal experts consulted by Reuters last week were divided on whether the giveaway violates federal laws that make it a crime to pay or offer to pay a person to register to vote.
Trump Campaign Relies on Outside Groups for Canvassing Voters
The Trump campaign is broadly reliant on outside groups for canvassing voters, meaning the super PAC founded by Musk – the world’s richest man – plays an outsized role in what is expected to be a razor-thin election.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against America PAC raises concerns about the potential for state and federal law violations in the midst of a high-stakes presidential election. As the November 5 election approaches, voters and election officials will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure a fair and transparent democratic process.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the lawsuit against America PAC?
The lawsuit seeks to stop a political action committee controlled by billionaire Elon Musk from awarding US$1 million to registered US voters in battleground states ahead of the November 5 election.
* What are the allegations against America PAC?
The allegations include that the giveaway is an “illegal lottery” that entices Pennsylvania residents to share personal data, violating state consumer protection laws.
* What is the significance of Pennsylvania in the presidential election?
Pennsylvania is one of seven battleground states where the presidential election between Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris is set to be decided, with the winner receiving its 19 electoral votes out of a total of 270 needed to win.
* What is the response from America PAC to the lawsuit?
America PAC spokespeople sent a link to the group’s latest post on X, which identified a Michigan resident who received the US$1 million prize and said additional awards would be handed out every day until the election.