Tech billionaire Elon Musk, an ally of Donald Trump, has stirred controversy by promoting a cash giveaway for Wisconsin voters who petition against “activist judges.”
The announcement comes just days before a crucial election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where a conservative candidate supported by Musk’s political action committee is competing for an important seat.
America PAC, a pro-Trump political action committee established and largely funded by Musk, announced it would give $100 to Wisconsin voters who sign the “petition in opposition to activist judges.” Musk reposted the petition on his social media platform X, urging voters to sign by April 1, the day of the state’s supreme court election.
VOTING INCENTIVE? A group funded by billionaire Elon Musk is offering Wisconsin voters $100 to sign a petition in opposition to “activist judges.” https://t.co/cP409CaP9w
— Local 3 News (@Local3News) March 21, 2025The petition states, “Judges should interpret laws as written, not rewrite them to fit their personal or political agendas.” Voters who refer others to sign the petition can earn $100 for each additional signer.
A Strategic Move in a High-Stakes Election
America PAC has endorsed conservative candidate Brad Schimel, who is running against Democrat-backed Susan Crawford for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat. The election is critical, with potential implications for state and national policies.
Crawford’s campaign has accused Musk of attempting to influence the election. “Elon Musk is trying to buy a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court to secure a favourable ruling in his company’s lawsuit against the state,” the campaign stated.
Vote for Brad Schimel in Wisconsin! pic.twitter.com/C6rtrfnqkU
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 22, 2025Tesla’s Legal Battle in Wisconsin
The controversy ties into Tesla’s ongoing legal challenge in Wisconsin. The electric car company is contesting the state’s refusal to grant it an exception to a rule prohibiting automakers from owning dealerships. The case could eventually reach the Wisconsin Supreme Court, making the election outcome particularly significant for Musk.
"I look forward to watching the sick terrorist thugs get 20 year jail sentences for what they are doing to @ElonMusk and Tesla." –President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/OvOxFkrKC2
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 21, 2025The Justice Department under then-President Joe Biden previously warned Musk and America PAC that similar sweepstakes during the 2024 presidential race may have violated federal law, which prohibits paying people to register to vote. Critics argue that the cash giveaway blurs the line between political activism and undue influence.
Read: Tesla Owners Trade-In Vehicles Amid Backlash Over Elon Musk’s Trump Ties
Musk’s move aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to counter judicial opposition to his policies. Recently, Trump launched a scathing attack on a judge who blocked his administration’s deportation of alleged illegal migrants to El Salvador, calling for the judge’s impeachment.
