Legal Proceedings Stall as Court Debates Jurisdiction Over Musk’s Battleground State Giveaway
A Philadelphia judge has temporarily halted a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s controversial election sweepstakes, which promises daily $1 million prizes in key battleground states ahead of the November 5 election. The ruling enables Musk’s initiative to continue while the court decides whether the case belongs in federal or state jurisdiction.
Sweepstakes at the Center of Controversy
Musk, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, launched the $1 million-per-day sweepstakes via America PAC, a political action committee he established to support Trump. The program targets seven critical swing states, where registered voters can enter the sweepstakes by signing a petition in support of the U.S. Constitution.
Critics argue that Musk’s campaign is a questionable tactic to bolster Trump’s voter turnout. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Democrat, filed a state lawsuit, calling the giveaway an “unlawful lottery” and accusing Musk of using it to collect personal voter data.
“America PAC and Musk are enticing Philadelphia citizens – and others across key states – to submit their identifying information and pledge political support in exchange for a chance at winning $1 million,” Krasner’s lawsuit contends.
Consumer Protection and Transparency Concerns
The lawsuit further claims Musk’s sweepstakes lacks clear rules and adequate safeguards for participants’ personal information. It also argues that Musk may be violating consumer protection laws with “deceptive or misleading” language in promotional materials, creating an urgent need for an injunction before Election Day.
Additionally, Krasner’s office alleges that the winners are not chosen at random, citing two recipients living near recent pro-Trump rallies, which could indicate a biased selection process.
Musk’s Push to Move Case to Federal Court
Musk’s legal team counters that the lawsuit revolves around issues of federal election interference, arguing it should be heard in federal court rather than at the state level. They contend that the complaint’s primary aim is to disrupt what Krasner perceives as interference in the national election.
“The complaint is less about state-level claims of nuisance and consumer protection,” Musk’s legal team argued, “and more about halting perceived federal election interference.” By seeking federal jurisdiction, Musk’s team has effectively prolonged the legal proceedings, preventing any immediate halt to the sweepstakes.
Musk’s Financial Support for America PAC
With Musk contributing nearly $120 million to America PAC, his financial backing has become a significant asset for Trump’s campaign. Trump, who is pursuing a return to the White House, has expressed intentions to appoint Musk to a government efficiency commission if elected.
