Lawsuit Against Elon Musk’s Political Action Committee Heats Up
Legal Battle Over $1 Million Giveaway
A judge has ordered all parties, including Elon Musk, to attend a court hearing in Philadelphia on Thursday in a lawsuit seeking to stop a political action committee controlled by the billionaire from awarding $1 million to registered U.S. voters in battleground states ahead of the Nov. 5 U.S. election.
"Illegal Lottery" Allegation
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office filed the lawsuit on Monday, calling the giveaway by Musk’s America PAC, which backs Republican former President Donald Trump, an "illegal lottery" that enticed Pennsylvania residents to share personal data.
Judge’s Order
"It is further ordered that all parties must be present at the time of the hearing," a judge wrote on Wednesday in an order with the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. The hearing in the case was moved up to Thursday morning from Friday.
Election Commission and Trump’s Campaign
Trump faces Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in what polls show to be a tight race for the White House. A representative for America PAC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Musk’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment. Musk promised to give $1 million each day to someone who signed his online free-speech and gun-rights petition.
Legal Experts Weigh In
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. The Justice Department sent a letter to America PAC warning that the billionaire’s giveaways for registered voters who sign his petition may violate federal law, CNN reported last week.
Outside Groups and Canvassing
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 casts a shadow over Musk’s efforts to influence the outcome of the U.S. election. As the two major parties engage in a fierce battle for power, it remains to be seen whether the judge’s order will have any impact on the outcome of the election.
FAQs
Q: What is the main issue with Elon Musk’s political action committee?
A: The committee is accused of running an "illegal lottery" by giving away $1 million to registered voters in battleground states.
Q: What is the purpose of the $1 million giveaway?
A: The giveaway is intended to encourage people to sign an online free-speech and gun-rights petition, but legal experts believe it may be in violation of federal laws.
Q: Will the judge’s order have an impact on the outcome of the election?
A: It is unclear how the judge’s order will affect the outcome of the election, but it may add to the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.