On Monday, a Pennsylvania judge rejected Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s request to halt Elon Musk’s daily million-dollar giveaway contest, which the DA described as a “grift.”
Musk, a billionaire businessman and supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, has been using his political action committee (PAC) to award $1 million daily to registered voters in swing states who sign a petition advocating for free speech and the right to bear arms.
Krasner filed a lawsuit against Musk, alleging the contest is an “unlawful lottery” that lures citizens into disclosing personal information in exchange for a chance to win the prize, effectively pressuring them to take a political stance.
Musk’s lawyer, Chris Gober, argued that the giveaway is not a lottery, as winners are selected based on their personal stories and “suitability” to represent Musk’s PAC rather than by random draw. Chris Young, the PAC’s treasurer, added that recipients are required to sign employment contracts with the PAC.
Late Monday, Judge Angelo Foglietta ruled to allow Musk’s contest to continue with a full opinion expected later.
