Recently, Tesla CEO and X platform owner Elon Musk has again attracted attention. The billionaire announced at an event in Pennsylvania on the 19th of this month that he will randomly draw a registered Pennsylvania voter who signs a petition of the America PAC every day from now until the day of the US election and reward him with $1 million. Musk's goal is to motivate more voters to support Trump, and $2 million in bonuses have been given out, which has received mixed reactions on social media.
However, this morning (24th), according to CNN, the U.S. Department of Justice has issued a warning about the matter, pointing out that the issuance of a $1 million bonus to registered voters in swing states may violate federal law. The Department of Justice stated that this behavior is suspected of violating the law prohibiting the payment or promise to pay money to influence voters' votes.
CNN has tried to contact Musk and the relevant person in charge of America PAC, but has not received a response; the Department of Justice has not made any further comments on the matter.
Legal experts: Musk may face five years in prison
Legal experts pointed out that Musk's decision to limit the lottery to voters in seven swing states was clearly intended to influence the election through monetary incentives, which is likely to violate federal law prohibiting money transactions from influencing voters. Experts warned that if Musk is found guilty, he could face up to five years in prison.
Musk has previously said that if Harris is elected president, he will face many challenges. The million-dollar lottery is considered his latest move to fully support Trump's campaign. Although there is no conclusion yet, the results of the investigation by the Justice Department will determine whether this behavior is illegal.
Musk donates $75 million to America PAC
Musk has donated $75 million to America PAC in the past three months to support Trump's campaign, according to Federal Election Commission records. America PAC's spending records show that the organization spent $72 million on ads supporting Trump and attacking Democratic candidate Kamala Harris between July and September.
Musk's donations put him among the top Republican donors, alongside such notables as Mellon banking heir Timothy Mellon and casino magnate Miriam Adelson.