Washington [US], October 31: A judge has summoned billionaire Elon Musk in a lawsuit over his political organization donating $1 million to voters ahead of the US election.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner's office in Pennsylvania on October 28 sued billionaire Elon Musk 's political action committee (PAC) America PAC for randomly giving money to voters in battleground states.
According to Reuters, the plaintiffs claim that this giveaway is an "illegal lottery", enticing Pennsylvania residents to provide their personal data.
"The Philadelphia District Attorney is charged with protecting the public from public nuisances and unfair trade practices, including illegal lotteries. The attorney general is also responsible for protecting the public from interference with the integrity of elections," said Krasner, a Democrat.
A judge on October 30 ordered all parties in the lawsuit to appear in court in Philadelphia on October 31. Representatives of America PAC and Mr. Elon Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The billionaire has promised to give $1 million a day to anyone who signs his free speech and gun rights petition. The prize will be given out randomly and will continue until the US presidential election on November 5.
The US Department of Justice has sent a letter warning America PAC that its voter registration giveaways may violate federal law, which prohibits paying people to register to vote.
Billionaire Elon Musk endorsed former President Donald Trump in this year's election. According to AFP, Mr. Musk donated $118 million to his political action committee.
Asked about Mr Musk's cash reward after voting in Delaware, President Joe Biden joked, "Tell him I'm signing up, $1 million," and then called the game "totally inappropriate."
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper