Judge Allows Elon Musk’s Cash Giveaway to Registered Voters Amid Legal Challenge

Elon Musk can continue offering cash giveaways to registered voters for now, according to a Pennsylvania state judge. Musk, a Donald Trump supporter, has been using his political group, America PAC, to offer cash prizes to registered voters in swing states who sign a petition. This move has raised concerns among U.S. officials, who suggest it may violate electoral laws, though Musk denies any wrongdoing.

Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner filed a lawsuit against Musk this week, calling for an immediate halt to the $1 million (£770,000) giveaways before the upcoming presidential election. On Thursday, Judge Angelo Foglietta paused the case, waiting to see if a federal court will take it up. If the federal court declines, the case will return to state court.

John Summers, a lawyer representing Krasner, expressed the intent to bring the case back to state court, emphasizing its relevance to state law. Meanwhile, the legal outcome is unlikely before Tuesday’s election.

The lawsuit challenges Musk’s giveaway program, which offers daily $1 million prizes to voters in battleground states—Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Carolina—until November 5. In these states, the presidential race between Trump and Kamala Harris is expected to be highly competitive. Eligible participants must provide personal information and sign a pledge affirming their support for the U.S. Constitution.

Krasner’s lawsuit accuses Musk of “running an illegal lottery” and alleges the giveaway aims to obtain personal data from Philadelphia citizens under deceptive terms. It also argues that the initiative violates consumer protection laws with “misleading statements” that could confuse voters. Musk’s legal team counters that the complaint is ultimately about “interference” with the upcoming election, disguised as state-law claims.

Earlier, the U.S. Justice Department warned Musk’s PAC that the lottery-style giveaway might breach federal election law. However, Musk argues the giveaway is nonpartisan and does not require voters to register as Republicans or actually vote to be eligible for the prize. Under U.S. law, paying people to register to vote is illegal, though experts consider Musk’s case a legal gray area.