Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has dismissed the case against billionaire Elon Musk’s political action committee, America PAC. Krasner alleged that the pro-Trump PAC had conducted an illegal lottery during the 2024 presidential election, accusing it of violating state lottery laws. However, the newest development means the case will not reach the court.
Musk’s Sweepstakes Caused Significant Controversy
In the run-up to Election Day 2024, Musk-funded America PAC offered swing-state residents a chance to win $1 million daily in exchange for signing a petition pledging support for constitutional rights, particularly the First and Second Amendments. While the initiative was promoted as a random sweepstakes, critics argued it was a veiled attempt to gather voter information and influence voter turnout.
Legal challenges quickly followed, with Krasner’s office arguing that the so-called lottery violated Pennsylvania’s stringent laws against unregulated gambling and lotteries. The legal claim reiterated that the state must regulate any type of lottery activity in Pennsylvania. At the same time, offering payment or accepting payment for voting or registration for voting is recognized as a criminal offense.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) also expressed concerns about the operation, writing a formal warning to America PAC that its activities could violate federal election laws, particularly prohibitions on payments aiming to influence voter registration. The case received considerable attention after Musk’s legal team acknowledged that the selection of winners was not truly random.
The Case Could Set a Precedent for Future Elections
The timing of the dismissal has raised questions, as it comes shortly after special counsel Jack Smith decided to drop federal charges against former President Donald Trump related to the mishandling of classified documents and the 6 January Capitol attack. Legal experts have speculated that the decision to drop the case against America PAC case could be tied to broader shifts in political and judicial strategy.
Critics of Musk and America PAC say the dismissal sets a dangerous precedent, allowing high-wealth individuals to skirt election laws under the guise of civic engagement. Supporters insist the sweepstakes were an innovative experiment in voter mobilization, not a crime. Krasner’s move means each party will bear its legal costs and leaves an option for the case to be reopened in the future.
Mark this case Discontinued and Ended as to all parties without prejudice, with all parties bearing their own costs.
Larry Krasner’s request to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
While this case is now closed, the debate over election integrity and voter influence remains. Musk has not publicly addressed the dismissal but previously defended the initiative. Analysts predict that the fallout from such cases will shape discussions around campaign financing and election laws heading into the next election cycle, potentially emboldening other high-wealth individuals to attempt similar initiatives.
