The pro-Trump organization associated with Elon Musk does not randomly select the winners of its $1 million-a-day giveaway for registered voters; instead, it chooses individuals who can effectively promote its agenda, according to a lawyer representing the billionaire.
Musk’s attorney, Chris Gober, aimed to convince a Pennsylvania judge that the giveaway is not an “illegal lottery,” as claimed by Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner in a lawsuit aimed at halting the contest before the upcoming US presidential election.
“There is no prize to be won; the recipients instead must meet contractual obligations to act as spokespeople for the PAC,” Mr. Gober asserted during the proceedings before Judge Angelo Foglietta.
Democratic Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner brought legal action against Mr. Musk and his political action committee.
This hearing in a critical swing state occurs just one day before Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump face off in a closely watched election battle. Mr. Musk and his political action committee are supporting Mr. Trump.
This year, Mr. Musk has become a vocal supporter of Trump, actively promoting the former president on his X social media platform.
Mr. Krasner, a Democrat, filed a lawsuit against Mr. Musk and his political action committee in state court on October 28, attempting to block the giveaway, which he described as an illegal lottery that infringes on state consumer protection statutes.
Elon Musk has actively supported Trump this year.
A representative from Mr. Krasner’s office, John Summers, characterized Mr. Gober’s statements as a “complete admission of liability.”
“We just heard this individual say that our process is random,” Mr. Summers remarked.
“We assured people that they would participate in a random process, but it’s actually one where participants are pre-selected.”
Mr. Musk’s offer is exclusive to registered voters in the seven states deemed crucial for the election: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Up to now, Mr. Musk’s America PAC has granted $1 million prizes to 16 recipients, with the final award scheduled for November 5.
Read more: How Elon Musk has become a powerful figure in US politics
