The legal challenge against Elon Musk concerning his initiative to give away $1 million to random registered voters signing his petition in swing states has been temporarily halted. Musk’s legal team is arguing that the case should be transferred to federal court.
As reported by the Associated Press, Musk’s attorneys submitted a motion on Wednesday requesting the lawsuit to be moved to the federal level, stating that it raises a federal issue. Judge Angelo Foglietta has agreed to pause proceedings for now.
Earlier this month, Musk revealed plans for a giveaway of $1 million daily to randomly selected voters who sign his petition through the America PAC, aimed at those registered in swing states. This petition supports causes like free speech and gun rights.
Larry Krasner, the District Attorney of Philadelphia, is the one behind the lawsuit, claiming that Musk’s $1 million giveaways breach state lottery laws. According to NBC News, the DA avoided answering whether Musk’s actions could be seen as incentivizing voting. The legality of such giveaways has been scrutinized, with some experts suggesting they resemble vote buying or voter registration incentives.
In the lawsuit, Krasner argues that Musk and the America PAC “are indisputably violating Pennsylvania’s statutory prohibitions against illegal lotteries and deceiving consumers.”
The lawsuit also states, “America PAC and Musk are lulling Philadelphia citizens—and others in the Commonwealth (and other swing states in the upcoming election)—to give up their personal identifying information and make a political pledge in exchange for the chance to win $1 million. That is a lottery.”
Musk has already allocated over $70 million to the America PAC and backed Trump in July, following the shooting incident in Butler, a key swing state. He has actively campaigned across Pennsylvania, including hosting town halls for Trump.
Both Trump and Kamala Harris are working diligently in Pennsylvania, aiming to mobilize voters to secure the state’s 19 electoral votes on Election Day.
