Philadelphia’s district attorney asked a state judge on Monday to shut down tech billionaire Elon Musk’s controversial $1 million giveaway to registered voters, calling it an “illegal lottery scheme.”.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Democrat, filed the civil lawsuit against Musk and his pro-Trump group, America PAC.
“America PAC and Musk are lulling Philadelphia citizens – and others in the Commonwealth (and other swing states in the upcoming election) – to give up their personal identifying information and make a political pledge in exchange for the chance to win $1 million,” the lawsuit alleges.
A spokesperson for Musk’s super PAC did not comment on the lawsuit and instead highlighted the group’s latest $1 million winner, announced Monday – a registered voter from Hastings, Michigan.
A judge scheduled a hearing on the matter for Friday, meaning Musk’s sweepstakes could continue at least throughout the week, though Krasner’s office can ask for an expedited hearing.
The US Justice Department has also warned Musk’s super PAC that his giveaway might violate federal laws that criminalize offering cash for voter registration.
He became more serious when asked if he thought it was legal conduct or election interference and responded: “I think it’s totally inappropriate.”. »
