Elon Musk handed out million-dollar checks to voters in Wisconsin to support a conservative candidate in a high-stakes state Supreme Court election. This move, echoing his 2024 tactics, aims to influence the court's stance on key issues like abortion and labor rights.
Billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday (March 30) handed out million-dollar checks to two voters in Wisconsin and promised smaller payments to others who help elect a conservative candidate to the state's top court in a closely watched election.
The Tesla CEO, a top adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, handed out oversized checks at a rally in Green Bay as he sought to drum up enthusiasm for a state Supreme Court election that is already the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.
Musk said he would also pay supporters $20 for every voter they recruit over the next two days.
He said he was spending the money to raise awareness of a race in which liberal Susan Crawford seems to be running ahead of conservative Brad Schimel.
The April 1 contest will determine the ideological tilt of the state's top court as it considers abortion rights, labor rights and possibly election rules. Technically nonpartisan, the race is seen as an early referendum on Trump in a politically competitive state.
Musk's $1 million giveaway echoed his tactics from the 2024 presidential election, when he gave checks to voters who signed petitions supporting conservative causes.
Wisconsin's attorney general, Democrat Josh Kaul, sued to block the giveaway but the state supreme court ruled it could go ahead, according to the Washington Post.
Musk said he was "perturbed" by recent protests that have left Tesla cars damaged or destroyed.
Musk spent more than $250 million to help elect Trump last year, far more than any other individual, and his appearance in Wisconsin showed his willingness to get involved in down ballot races as well.
Trump has deputized Musk to oversee an unprecedented effort to slash the federal government that has effectively shuttered several agencies and fired tens of thousands of workers.
Read next
21:36
World News
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that there could be “serious consequences” if Elon Musk provides financial support to Democratic candidates challenging Republicans who back Trump’s tax-cut bill, signalling a sharp turn in their previously cordial relationship.
17:23
Newshour
This edition of Newshour explores the roots and ripple effects of President Trump’s clash with Elon Musk. AnewZ correspondent Oubai Shahbandar joins the program to unpack the political and economic stakes, while residents of Oakland, California share how the dispute resonates on the ground.
11:38
SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM early Saturday, marking another success despite rising political tensions.
07:42
world news
An escalating feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump threatens to disrupt key U.S. space programs and jeopardize $22 billion in government contracts with SpaceX.
10:01
world news
Elon Musk has launched a scathing attack on President Donald Trump’s flagship tax and spending legislation, criticizing it as a “disgusting abomination” and warning it could harm Tesla’s business.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment