PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia judge has scheduled a hearing for Thursday morning regarding the city prosecutor’s efforts to halt Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day sweepstakes taking place in crucial battleground states. These giveaways are organized by Musk’s political group, which seeks to support Donald Trump’s campaign for the presidency.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a member of the Democratic party, initiated legal action on Monday to stop the America PAC sweepstakes, which is intended to run until Election Day. Judge Angelo Foglietta will be presiding over the motions in a courtroom at City Hall.
The sweepstakes invites individuals from key battleground states to sign a petition advocating for the Constitution, with the chance to win a substantial cash prize.
Election law specialists have expressed concerns about the legality of this initiative, questioning whether it contravenes federal law that prohibits paying individuals to vote. Musk describes the money as not only a prize but also as compensation for participating as a spokesperson for the organization.
Krasner has indicated that he may consider pursuing criminal charges, emphasizing his responsibility to safeguard the public against illegal lotteries and any potential “interference with the integrity of elections.” In the lawsuit, he asserted that America PAC and Musk “are indisputably violating Pennsylvania’s statutory prohibitions against illegal lotteries and deceiving consumers.”
Musk, the founder of both SpaceX and Tesla, owns the platform X and has taken a strong stance in favor of Trump this election cycle, suggesting that the future of civilization itself is at risk if Trump does not win. He is heavily involved in efforts to mobilize voters for Trump through his super PAC, which has the capability to raise and spend unlimited funds.
As part of his commitment to backing Trump and other Republican candidates in the upcoming election, Musk has pledged over $70 million to the super PAC. Meanwhile, both Trump and Vice President Harris have been actively campaigning in Pennsylvania, vying for the state’s 19 electoral votes.
Late on Wednesday, attorney Matthew Haverstick, one of several defending lawyers, did not disclose whether Musk would attend the upcoming hearing.
