Elon Musk Under Investigation After Pledging $1 Million a Day to Voters Supporting Trump’s Amendments
In a controversial and unprecedented move, Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has called on law enforcement agencies to investigate Elon Musk after the billionaire entrepreneur promised to give away $1 million a day to voters who signed an online petition supporting key amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments—related to free speech (First Amendment) and gun ownership (Second Amendment)—have become central to a rally in support of former President Donald Trump’s upcoming election bid.
The offer, made during a political rally in Harrisburg this past weekend, has raised questions about the legality of such a strategy, as it appears to blur the lines between political activism and election manipulation. Musk, who has leveraged his vast fortune to influence political outcomes, made the shocking pledge at a rally organized by the America PAC, a political action committee designed to rally support for Trump’s 2024 presidential run. The rally was attended by key Trump supporters, including political operatives and celebrities, all coming together to show solidarity in what many are calling a pivotal moment in Trump’s election campaign.
The event took place at a high-profile gathering hosted by America PAC in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. During his address, Musk handed a $1 million check to one lucky attendee in what seemed to be a symbolic gesture. However, the stakes grew higher when he revealed that he would be giving away $1 million every day to a random voter who signed an online petition in favor of constitutional amendments defending free speech and gun ownership. This offer, which was meant to promote Trump’s campaign, raised eyebrows for its unconventional nature and the potential risks it poses to election integrity.
In a statement on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Governor Shapiro expressed deep concern over Musk’s actions. “This is deeply troubling,” Shapiro remarked. “It raises serious legal questions about the integrity of our elections, and we need a thorough investigation into whether this is a violation of federal law.” Shapiro, who has previously been critical of Musk’s political influence, urged the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene and investigate whether Musk’s financial offer constitutes illegal voter inducement.
The crux of the issue lies in federal election law, which strictly prohibits paying individuals to influence or sway voters in the electoral process. Offering money to voters to secure their support or participation in political actions, especially through signing petitions, can be construed as election bribery—a serious offense that could lead to criminal charges, including potential imprisonment.
Federal laws prohibit any kind of financial compensation designed to encourage or reward individuals for voting or taking specific political actions. According to legal experts, if Musk’s offer is found to be in violation of these laws, both he and those facilitating the campaign could face significant legal consequences. As the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) begins reviewing the case, all eyes are on the government to decide whether to move forward with an investigation that could impact not only Musk but the integrity of political donations and influence in American elections.
The America PAC’s strategy, which focuses on mobilizing and securing voters in key battleground states, could face serious hurdles if the legality of Musk’s involvement in the campaign is called into question. The PAC, which is designed to funnel resources and political energy toward Trump’s campaign in critical states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, has struggled to gain traction in key districts. Critics argue that Musk’s strategy to pay voters might be a last-ditch effort to turn the tide in favor of Trump’s campaign.
The online petition Musk is promoting centers on two key constitutional amendments, which would defend both free speech and the right to bear arms. These are core issues that have driven Trump’s 2024 campaign, drawing support from conservative and pro-gun groups who are eager to see these amendments bolstered in the face of mounting pressure to regulate firearms and free speech on social media platforms. Musk, known for his libertarian-leaning stances, has been vocal about his commitment to these constitutional rights, but critics argue that his efforts are less about genuine advocacy and more about manipulating the political process.
The question remains: did Musk’s offer cross the line into illegal conduct, or is this a legitimate political strategy to engage voters in what promises to be a highly competitive election?
The backlash to Musk’s actions has been swift and widespread. Critics have accused the billionaire of attempting to “buy” voters and manipulate the outcome of the election. They argue that his offer undermines the very principles of fair and free elections by incentivizing people to sign petitions in exchange for financial reward, potentially creating an uneven playing field in the democratic process.
On the other hand, some of Musk’s supporters argue that he is merely trying to stimulate political engagement among voters who may otherwise be apathetic. “What’s wrong with encouraging people to take part in the democratic process?” one Musk supporter tweeted. “If people want to sign a petition in support of their rights, and they get rewarded for it, what’s the harm?”
However, legal experts and political analysts are far more concerned about the long-term implications of Musk’s actions, particularly as they pertain to the integrity of the 2024 presidential election. “This could be a landmark case for how we regulate campaign finance and political influence in the digital age,” said one analyst. “If Musk gets away with this, it could open the floodgates for other wealthy individuals to exert similar influence over elections.”
As law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the DOJ, begin their investigations into Musk’s actions, the public and political landscape will likely continue to shift. With the election just months away, the outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching consequences for both Trump’s 2024 campaign and Musk’s influence on American politics.
For now, both Musk and the America PAC remain at the center of a growing storm, with many wondering whether the billionaire’s gamble will pay off or if it will become a liability that drags down Trump’s efforts to reclaim the White House.
As the legal scrutiny intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Musk’s campaign will be allowed to continue unchallenged or if this high-stakes scandal will change the course of the upcoming election.