Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of X, announced on Saturday that he plans to offer $1 million each day to registered voters who support his pro-Trump political action committee, as part of an initiative aimed at encouraging turnout in swing states. During an America PAC event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Musk revealed this unexpected reward, promising it would be available “every day from now until the election.” He presented a large check to a petition signer, reiterating his view that the funds would be a fun and effective way to engage voters.
Musk, who is a known supporter of former President Donald Trump, emphasized Pennsylvania’s significance in the upcoming election, labeling it the “linchpin.” He stated, “How Pennsylvania goes I think is how the election goes.” The deadline for signing the petition to qualify for the cash rewards is Monday night, coinciding with the close of Pennsylvania’s voter registration. Eligible participants must be registered voters from specific states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin.
However, some legal experts, including UCLA law professor Rick Hasen, have expressed concerns that Musk’s initiative may violate federal election laws. Hasen pointed out that offering money for voter registration or for votes can result in significant fines or imprisonment. He highlighted that allowing financial incentives in elections can corrupt the democratic process. In response to Musk’s campaign, Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro deemed the plan “deeply concerning,” suggesting that it warrants investigation by law enforcement.
In addition to his financial initiative, Musk has also propagated unfounded voter fraud theories at pro-Trump gatherings and has criticized regulatory agencies, labeling many government regulations as unnecessary. Musk’s remarks included controversial comments about his views on government efficiency and mentioned his discontent with the Biden administration, particularly following Tesla’s exclusion from an electric vehicle summit.
During the event, Musk discussed various issues, including the development of self-driving cars, arguing against federal mandates and advocating for a market-driven approach. While he briefly referenced Trump, he did not delve into specific policies or accomplishments from his presidency.