Elon Musk’s Super PAC Challenges Lawsuit Over Election Cash Giveaways
By Jake Beardslee ·
October 31, 2024
In a strategic legal maneuver, Elon Musk is attempting to relocate a lawsuit challenging his super PAC's daily $1 million voter giveaways to federal court, potentially disrupting a scheduled Pennsylvania court hearing. Jasper Colt-USA TODAY NETWORK
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging the giveaways, characterizing them as an "illegal lottery" under state law. Michael Candelori / Wikimedia
Musk's legal team quickly responded by initiating a federal court removal process late Wednesday night, arguing that the case involves significant federal issues. Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"In short, the nature of the Complaint's pleadings demonstrates that the Complaint, in truth, has little to do with state-law claims of nuisance and consumer protection," Musk's attorneys wrote.
"Rather, although disguised as state law claims, the Complaint's focus is to prevent Defendants' purported 'interference' with the forthcoming Federal Presidential Election by any means." Jasper Colt-USA TODAY NETWORK
The sweepstakes, launched by America PAC, offer $1 million daily to registered voters in seven battleground states who sign a petition supporting free speech and gun rights. theamericapac.org
Despite a reported Department of Justice warning about potential federal law violations, the PAC has continued its giveaways, distributing 11 million-dollar checks so far, according to CNN. United States Department of Justice / Wikimedia
