Elon Musk has sparked controversy by offering cash incentives to Wisconsin voters who sign a petition opposing what he describes as “activist judges.” The initiative, promoted through his social media platform X, is part of a broader effort by the America PAC, a pro-Trump political action committee co-founded by Musk, to influence the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1.
The America PAC is offering $100 to voters who sign the petition, which aims to reject judges accused of rewriting laws to align with political agendas. The PAC has endorsed conservative candidate Brad Schimel for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat, a pivotal position in the battleground state. Additionally, the PAC has launched other initiatives, including a daily $1 million lottery prize for voters in key swing states who support First and Second Amendment rights.
However, the Justice Department previously warned Musk and the America PAC in October that such sweepstakes could violate federal law, which prohibits offering payments for voter registration.
The petition campaign aligns with former President Donald Trump’s ongoing criticism of the judiciary, particularly District Judge James Boasberg, who recently ruled against Trump’s deportation policies. Trump has called for Boasberg’s impeachment, labeling him a “troublemaker and agitator,” prompting a rare public rebuke from the Supreme Court chief justice.
Federal Election Commission filings from December revealed that Musk, the world’s richest person and a top donor to Trump, contributed $238 million to the America PAC. The initiative highlights the growing influence of wealthy individuals in shaping political and judicial landscapes.
