Wisconsin Group Files Lawsuit Against Elon Musk, Claims Million-Dollar Giveaways Were Bribery Tactics

A watchdog group in Wisconsin has initiated a lawsuit against Elon Musk, alleging that he unlawfully bribed voters during the state’s recent Supreme Court election by distributing million-dollar checks and $100 giveaways. The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, a nonpartisan organization focused on election transparency, has joined two local voters in this legal action against Musk, his super PAC America PAC, and another Musk-owned entity called the United States of America Inc. The lawsuit claims that Musk and his affiliated organizations violated state laws prohibiting vote bribery and unauthorized lotteries. Additionally, it charges Musk with civil conspiracy and creating a public nuisance.

The suit points to the detrimental effects of election bribery on public trust in the electoral process and the independence of the judiciary, especially in a contested election context. According to the complaint, Musk’s actions included giving away $100 to voters who signed a petition opposing “activist judges” and distributing million-dollar checks to petition signatories who allegedly supported candidate Brad Schimel. At a town hall in Green Bay, Musk awarded checks to two individuals identified as Schimel voters, one of whom encouraged others to support him in a video posted by America PAC. Despite Musk’s substantial financial backing of Schimel’s campaign, which reportedly exceeded $12 million, candidate Susan Crawford ultimately won the election.

Prior to this outcome, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul had filed a similar lawsuit against Musk, but a county judge declined to expedite the hearing. Jeff Mandell, co-founder of the Law Forward firm representing the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, expressed confidence in the lawsuit’s ability to achieve a fair hearing now that the election has passed. The suit not only seeks to hold Musk accountable for past conduct but also aims to prevent similar actions in future elections in Wisconsin, underscoring the broader implications for electoral integrity.