Elon Musk announces more winners of $1 million giveaway after reported DOJ warning letter
Elon Musk's super PAC is continuing with its daily million-dollar giveaways after the Justice Department has reportedly warned him it could violate federal election law.
Musk has donated more than $118 million to the America PAC, which backs former President Donald Trump, according to Federal Election Commission filings. On Saturday, Musk announced he would give $1 million a day to a registered voter who signs an online petition in support of the Constitution, which aims to get signatures from registered voters in swing states.
The move raised legal questions, drew criticism from Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, and prompted former Republican officials to press Attorney General Merrick Garland for an investigation.
Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that the DOJ’s election crimes branch sent a warning letter to the America PAC's lawyer, saying it is against the law to offer anything of value to sway votes.
No winner was announced Wednesday, but as of Thursday night, the America PAC posted two winners, one from Michigan and one from Wisconsin, as the initiative is apparently charging forward.
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Elon Musk becoming top Donald Trump supporter
Musk, the world's richest man, is one of a few billionaires giving tens of millions of dollars towards Trump's campaign.
Musk has become a growing ally to Trump since endorsing him in the wake of Trump's first survived assassination attempt. Musk amplifies Trump's messages on his social media platform X, campaigns for Trump in swing states and now is trying to mobilize the base with cash payments. Trump has promised Musk a leadership role in his administration if he wins the election.
Amid questions of whether or not the giveaway initiative is legal, Musk has taken to X to defend himself.
In a post on X, he said those eligible for the $1 million prizes "do not need to register as Republicans or vote in the Nov. 5 election."
The DOJ has previously declined to comment on the matter and X has not responded to multiple requests for comment.
Contributing: Josh Meyer, Bart Jansen
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elon Musk continues $1 million giveaway after reported DOJ letter