A Philadelphia judge has set a hearing for Thursday morning in the city prosecutor’s effort to shut down Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day sweepstakes in key battleground states. The giveaways, tied to Musk’s political organization, are designed to boost Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Democrat, filed a lawsuit on Monday to halt the America PAC sweepstakes, which is scheduled to run through Election Day. Judge Angelo Foglietta will preside over motions concerning the case in a City Hall courtroom.
One of several attorneys representing the defendants, Matthew Haverstick, declined to confirm late Wednesday whether Musk would attend the hearing.
The sweepstakes is accessible to individuals in battleground states who sign a petition supporting the Constitution.
Krasner has indicated that criminal charges are still on the table, emphasizing his duty to protect the public from both illegal lotteries and “interference with the integrity of elections.”
Election law experts have raised concerns about potential violations of federal law, which prohibits paying individuals to vote. Musk has characterized the money as both a prize and payment for serving as a spokesperson for the group.
In the lawsuit, Krasner argued that America PAC and Musk “are indisputably violating Pennsylvania’s statutory prohibitions against illegal lotteries and deceiving consumers.”
Both Trump and Harris have made repeated visits to Pennsylvania as they vie for the state’s 19 electoral votes.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, has fervently endorsed Trump in this election, arguing that the stakes for civilization are high if Trump loses. Musk is heavily involved in the get-out-the-vote efforts for Trump through his super PAC, which has the capability to raise and spend unlimited funds.
Musk has committed over $70 million to the super PAC to support Trump and other Republican candidates in November.
