Pennsylvania: A Pennsylvania judge has decided that a $1 million per day voter registration drive run by a political organization founded by billionaire Elon Musk can continue.
The wealthiest person in the world declared last month that he would begin the giveaway in seven crucial states that will likely determine the outcome of the US election in 2024.
Musk has publicly and financially endorsed Republican nominee Donald Trump, and many have interpreted his giveaways as an overt attempt to help him garner additional votes.
America PAC, a political action committee that has supported several Republican candidates, including former President Trump, has received $75 million from Musk.
Winners ‘not chosen by chance’
Tesla’s CEO has already given $16 million to swing-state voters who signed his political petition and were eligible to receive the giveaway.
Also read: Elon Musk Contributes $44 Million to Trump’s Super PAC Efforts
Judge Angelo Foglietta of Pennsylvania’s Common Pleas Court announced the ruling Monday following a startling day of hearing in a state court when Musk’s assistants admitted to hand-picking the contest winners based on who would be the most effective spokespersons for his super PAC’s mission.
In the past, the 53-year-old billionaire had stated that the winners would be selected randomly.
Democratic district attorney Larry Krasner demanded that the procedure be discontinued, calling it a fraud “implemented to truly impact a national election.”
The judge’s decision favored Musk and his America PAC.
The last two recipients before the presidential election will be revealed in Arizona on Monday and Michigan on Tuesday, according to Musk’s attorney, Chris Gober.
Gober said, “The $1 million recipients are not chosen by chance. We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow.”
‘They were scammed’
According to testimony from Chris Young, America PAC’s director and treasurer, the recipients of the grants were screened beforehand to “feel out their personality, [and] make sure they were someone whose values aligned” with the organization.
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In support of the initiative, Musk’s attorneys referred to it as “core political speech” because participants were encouraged to sign a petition supporting the US Constitution.
In support of the initiative, Musk’s attorneys referred to it as “core political speech” because participants were encouraged to sign a petition supporting the US Constitution.
District Attorney Krasner has expressed concerns about the potential use of the PAC’s data, which will remain available long after the election.
Krasner said, “They were scammed for their information. It has almost unlimited use.”
