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Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro is advocating for an investigation into billionaire Elon Musk following his announcement at a pro-Trump rally to distribute $1 million daily until Election Day in the United States. This declaration has raised concerns about the implications of such financial incentives in the political landscape.
During the rally held in Harrisburg, hosted by America PAC—a political group founded by Musk to support Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election—Musk handed a $1 million check to an attendee named John Dreher. Musk remarked, “By the way, John had no idea. So anyway, you’re welcome,” before delivering the check.
Shapiro expressed his worries on NBC’s Meet the Press, describing Musk’s plan as “deeply concerning” and suggesting that law enforcement should examine the situation. This move by Musk highlights his remarkable wealth and its potential influence on the fiercely contested race between Trump and his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. The state of Pennsylvania is critical for both candidates seeking an electoral victory.
Musk’s America PAC is significantly engaged in voter mobilization efforts in key battleground states that can sway the election outcome. However, reports indicate challenges in achieving set goals, as noted by Reuters.
In a follow-up event in Pittsburgh, Musk presented another $1 million check, furthering his commitment to the initiative. He has reportedly contributed upwards of $75 million to America PAC, making it a pivotal entity in Trump’s campaign strategy.
While the Harris campaign has remained silent on Musk’s distribution of funds, a recent fundraising email to supporters criticized Musk’s financial involvement, stating, “[Trump’s] buddy Elon Musk is spending huge sums of money on his own ads hammering the vice-president.”
Eligibility Criteria for Voter Incentives
Musk, who has roots in South Africa and spent part of his upbringing in Canada, is focusing his $1 million giveaways on individuals who sign an online petition. The petition emphasizes support for the First and Second Amendments, which enshrine freedoms of speech and the right to bear arms.
Eligibility for the daily $1 million giveaway is limited to registered voters residing in one of seven crucial swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—as specified on the America PAC website.
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The petition also incentivizes engagement by offering $100 to registered Pennsylvania voters who sign, as well as $100 for each voter referred to sign.
The legality of Musk’s cash giveaways has become a point of contention. Federal law prohibits the practice of paying individuals to induce or incentivize their voting or registration decisions, a violation that carries serious legal ramifications. This prohibition encompasses monetary exchanges as well as anything of cash-like value, underscoring a need for scrutiny over these actions.
The recent event in Harrisburg marked Musk’s third rally in as many days within Pennsylvania, where he has been rallying for early votes in support of Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio. Attendees of these events are required to sign the petition, allowing America PAC to collect contact information to further its outreach efforts aimed at mobilizing Trump supporters.
Vance previously suggested that substantial tech companies influenced the 2020 election outcome, pointing to incidents like the temporary ban on a New York Post story regarding Joe Biden on social media platforms including Twitter, now known as X under Musk’s ownership. Despite these claims, Vance has not publicly rebuked Musk for his partisan initiatives during this election cycle.
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After initially denying his affiliation with the Republican Party, Musk has increasingly aligned himself with conservative principles and has emerged as a vocal supporter of Trump. In a show of appreciation, Trump has suggested that, if elected, he would appoint Musk to lead a government efficiency commission—an initiative rife with potential conflicts given Musk’s numerous business ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, that are subject to governmental oversight.
When questioned about Musk’s cash giveaways during a campaign appearance in Pennsylvania, Trump admitted, “I haven’t followed that.”
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