Elon Musk has scored a major win for Donald Trump’s campaign at the dying minute before the presidential elections. On Monday, a judge ruled in favor of the billionaire doing a daily $1-million giveaway to voters in swing states.
Judge Angelo Foglietta of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas made the decision. He rejected the city’s district attorney, Larry Krasner’s argument that the contest was an “illegal lottery.” During the heated hearing, Krasner called Musk and his team a group of “shysters,” accusing them of running a scam with the sweepstake. However, the tech mogul’s legal team argued that the AG’s lawsuit was a publicity stunt. During the court hearing, Musk’s lawyers admitted that the winners weren’t picked randomly, CNN reports. Hence, it wasn’t a lottery. According to attorney Chris Gober, the prize is instead compensation for serving as a spokesperson for the super PAC. He explained that winners are selected “based on their suitability to serve as spokesperson for America PAC,” and the $1 million is what they “earn” for their work.
Recall that the Tesla CEO made the promise to give away $1 million daily to random registered voters in battleground states during an October campaign event. They, however, have to sign a petition launched by America PAC in support of the right to free speech and bear arms. The contest began on October 19 and continued amid the court battle with Krasner. So far, Musk’s pro-Trump group has given away $16 million, Reuters reports. The final winner, from Michigan, will be announced on Tuesday, election day.
Fans Online Accuse Elon Musk Of Bribing Voters
Despite the judge’s ruling that Musk did nothing illegal with his giveaway, fans slammed him for using his wealth to maneuver the tides of the elections.
“This headline should read, ‘a corrupt judge has ruled that Elon Musk can continue committing election fraud,’” an angry fan lamented.
“Giving very election fraud …,” another comment read.
“Another CORRUPT JUDGE!!! Allowing them to bribe people for their vote,” a third comment read.
“Giving fraudulence… giving bribery, giving I can’t win on POLICY… AMERICA built of FRAUD, I suppose,” a fourth fan penned.
The backlash from fans comes days after Musk exchanged words with rapper Cardi B over her endorsement of Kamala Harris. The Bodak Yellow artist spoke at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, campaign event where she tore into Trump, accusing him of trying to strip away women’s rights. Following her passionate speech, Musk took to his platform to call Cardi “another puppet” for the Democratic party. She, however, didn’t take to the name-calling lightly, slamming the Space X founder for not knowing the American struggle.
