Pennsylvania judge rules Elon Musk’s  million daily handouts to voters can continue
3 mins read

Pennsylvania judge rules Elon Musk’s $1 million daily handouts to voters can continue

That was decided by a judge in Pennsylvania on Monday Elon Musk’s Daily $1 Million Giveaway until voters are allowed to continue.

While the ruling allows the sweepstakes to continue, its practical impact is mostly symbolic, as the campaign will end on Tuesday Election day.

Philadelphia Judge Angelo Foglietta rejected arguments from District Attorney Larry Krasner, who argued that the sweepstakes were an illegal lottery under state law and should be stopped immediately.

CNN reported that the decision followed a heated all-day hearing in a packed Philadelphia courtroom, in which Krasner’s team referred to Musk’s political advisers as “shy” running a “scam” and “grift.” Musk’s team countered, accusing Krasner of violating constitutional rights.

Krasner, a progressive Democrat, filed the lawsuit a week before. Despite his lawsuit and a warning from the Justice Department that the cash prizes could violate federal election laws, Musk’s pro-Trump super PAC continued the daily giveaways as the case progressed.

Musk’s legal team has described Krasner’s lawsuit as a “publicity stunt” and claims it was motivated by Krasner’s opposition to Musk’s support for Trump.

“A lot of truth came out of court today, and it was amazing — stay tuned,” Krasner spokesman Dustin Slaughter said after the verdict.

ALSO READ: Cardi B claps back at Elon Musk’s ‘doll’ comment

The judge’s decision addressed Krasner’s urgent motion to immediately stop the sweepstakes. The larger question of whether Musk’s giveaway is illegal under state gaming laws remains.

Krasner testified that his office may seek money from Musk or his super PAC for the “victims” of what he called an illegal lottery.

In court, Musk’s lawyers argued that the super PAC’s selection process is not based on chance and therefore is not a lottery.

“There is no prize to be won,” Musk attorney Chris Gober said, adding that the winners “are not chosen by chance.” Instead, the $1 million is “compensation” to serve as a spokesperson for the super PAC, America PAC, with recipients selected based on their suitability to represent the group.

Krasner’s attorney, John Summers, called this statement “a complete admission of responsibility,” and Krasner testified that it was “one of the more frivolous things I’ve ever heard.”

Musk initially framed the sweepstakes as a “random” award of $1 million to supporters of his pro-constitution petition, which Krasner argued was “political marketing masquerading as a lottery.”

Musk’s political adviser Chris Young testified that the super PAC intended to give money only to registered American voters, excluding foreign nationals or those with bad intentions.

Young, who serves as the PAC’s treasurer, explained that people who were not registered to vote were encouraged to verify their status.

The Justice Department has warned Musk’s pro-Trump group that their sweepstakes could violate federal election laws that prohibit cash or prize incentives for voter registration.

Elon Musk has done cash donations to support Donald Trump and the Republican campaigns.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk wins in court over 2018 labor dispute tweet