JUST IN: Elon Musk Wins Election-Related Court Battle

A Pennsylvania judge has ruled in favor of Elon Musk and his pro-Trump super PAC, allowing him to continue his controversial $1 million sweepstakes program just one day before the election. The decision denies an injunction sought by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who argued that the daily cash giveaways amounted to an illegal lottery targeting registered voters.

The sweepstakes, organized by Musk’s America PAC, has already awarded 17 million-dollar checks to randomly selected voters across the country. Musk’s team asserted that the initiative was a legitimate promotion with paid spokespeople, not a lottery. Krasner, however, pushed back, claiming the payouts were effectively a high-stakes gamble, violating Pennsylvania’s lottery laws.

Judge’s ruling on Monday afternoon dismissed Krasner’s challenge, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to prove the giveaways were illegal under Pennsylvania law. The Musk-backed PAC, which has been heavily investing in pro-Trump advertising in recent weeks, faced accusations from critics who called the sweepstakes a strategic attempt to sway voters.

BREAKING FROM PHILLY:

Elon Musk wins in Pennsylvania court.

The judge just ruled that Musk CAN continue his $1 million sweepstakes, declining to issue an injunction against America PAC.

Musk’s team had argued that their paid spokespeople were not lottery winners. Larry… pic.twitter.com/AObJ2o2v5l

— Teddy Schleifer (@teddyschleifer) November 4, 2024

At Monday’s hearing, Musk’s attorney, Chris Gober, defended the super PAC against accusations from Philadelphia District Attorney Krasner, who labeled the operation an “illegal lottery.” Gober maintained that the PAC deliberately selects its $1 million recipients based on their suitability as spokespersons, countering Krasner’s charges of randomness.

“We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow,” Gober said, according to The Associated Press.

In late October, Musk committed to donating $1 million daily to registered voters in key battleground states.

“We want to try to get over a million, maybe 2 million voters in the battleground states to sign the petition in support of the First and Second Amendment. … We are going to be awarding $1 million randomly to people who have signed the petition, every day, from now until the election,” Musk said during a campaign event in Pennsylvania last month.

The owner of X was highlighting a petition initiated by his political action committee, which champions the constitutional rights to free speech and gun ownership. The move aligns with his support for conservative values.

After a full day of hearings in a crowded courtroom in downtown Philadelphia, Monday’s decision was rendered. Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Angelo Foglietta dismissed the arguments presented by the city’s district attorney.

Krasner had contended that the sweepstakes constituted an illegal lottery under state law and demanded its immediate cessation. Krasner, a Democrat, initiated the lawsuit a week ago.

With Election Day just hours away, the legal victory marks a significant moment for Musk, who’s rapidly emerged as a major player in political circles. It remains unclear if Krasner or other officials will seek further legal recourse in the remaining states, but Monday’s decision has cleared Musk’s path for now.

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