A Pennsylvania judge ruled Monday that Elon Musk can continue his daily $1 million giveaway to voters, marking a legal win for the tech billionaire and Trump supporter.
Judge Angelo Foglietta of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas dismissed arguments from District Attorney Larry Krasner, who contended that the giveaway constituted an illegal lottery under state law and should be stopped immediately.
The decision followed a lengthy hearing in a packed Philadelphia courtroom. Tensions ran high, with Krasner’s team labeling Musk’s supporters as “shysters” running a “scam” and a “grift,” while Musk’s team argued that the district attorney was infringing on their constitutional rights.
READ: Florida Sees High Voter Turnout With Over 8 Million Early And Mail-In Ballots
Krasner, a progressive Democrat, filed the lawsuit a week ago. Despite the legal action and a Justice Department warning that the cash prizes could potentially breach federal election laws, Musk’s pro-Trump super PAC continued the daily giveaways as the matter moved through the court.
Musk’s lawyers have described Krasner’s lawsuit as a “publicity stunt,” suggesting it was motivated by political differences rather than legal concerns over the giveaways.
In court, Musk’s attorney, Chris Gober, argued that the super PAC’s process doesn’t rely on chance, disputing the claim that it was a lottery.
READ: SAF Challenges Maryland’s ‘Sensitive Places’ Gun Restrictions In Federal Appeals Court
“There is no prize to be won,” Gober stated, adding that recipients are chosen based on their suitability to act as spokespersons for the PAC, not randomly. The $1 million is, according to Musk’s legal team, a form of compensation for their role as spokespersons.
When Musk initially announced the giveaway, he stated, “We are going to be awarding $1 million randomly to people who have signed the petition,” referring to his petition supporting the Constitution.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.