Originally published on: November 04, 2024
During a recent court appearance in Pennsylvania, a lawyer representing Elon Musk and the America PAC political action committee admitted that the recipients of the $1 million daily giveaway were not randomly selected, but hand-picked based on personal stories. This revelation, coming from lawyer Chris Gober, challenges the notion that the giveaways were a lottery for voters.
Musk announced the program in early October, promising to award $1 million daily to a random registered voter in select states until the election. However, Gober’s testimony suggests that the winners were specifically chosen and the money was not offered as a prize.
The case, which has caught national attention, revolves around Musk’s comments about awarding the money randomly, leading many to believe it was a lottery. Pennsylvania District Attorney Larry Krasner has brought the case against Musk and America PAC, hinting at potential criminal charges for running an unregistered lottery.
While federal charges could potentially be brought against Musk and the PAC, the case has been dismissed from federal courts. Under Pennsylvania law, running an illegal lottery is considered a misdemeanor with no jail time typically associated with such offenses.
Despite the legal implications, Musk’s ties to former President Donald Trump may play a role in his protection. Both Trump and Musk have hinted at collaboration if the former president is reelected, suggesting a level of immunity for Musk and America PAC in the future.
In the midst of uncertainties regarding potential charges, one thing remains clear: the winners of the million-dollar giveaway were not randomly chosen, raising questions about the legality of the program. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing legal battle.