In an unprecedented move ahead of Wisconsin's Supreme Court election, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has distributed checks totaling $1 million (£770,000) to voters. This giveaway comes in the wake of the state Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene in the matter, despite arguments raised by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, who accused Musk of violating state laws designed to prohibit gifts in exchange for votes.
Elon Musk Distributes $1 Million Cheques Ahead of Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
Elon Musk Distributes $1 Million Cheques Ahead of Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
Billionaire Elon Musk stirs controversy by giving away substantial sums to voters ahead of a crucial state election, amidst legal disputes over campaign financing laws.
Musk’s announcement about the cash giveaway was made earlier in the week in the face of a highly contested Supreme Court race, which could potentially shift the balance of power to Republicans. The election, noted for being the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history with a total spending of $81 million, takes place on Tuesday.
Speaking during a rally on Sunday, Musk emphasized the importance of impartiality in the judicial system, declaring, “We just want judges to be judges,” as he proceeded to hand over two $1 million cheques to voters who had signed a petition opposing what he described as "activist" judges. The Attorney General has labeled the giveaway as an illegal attempt by Musk to influence voter behavior financially.
Musk’s legal team pushed back against the allegations, arguing that Kaul was infringing upon Musk's First Amendment rights by attempting to curtail his political speech. They framed the donation initiative as a grassroots movement to counteract judicial activism, rather than as a direct appeal for specific candidates.
Following the rejection of a last-minute intervention request by the state’s Supreme Court, Musk has continued his support for conservative candidate, Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel. Schimel is running against liberal-endorsed Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, which contributes to the election’s high stakes as it is seen as a litmus test for Trump’s influence in the current political landscape.
Emerging from the tumult, Judge Schimel has reportedly distanced himself from Musk in recent comments, expressing uncertainty about the rally after he declined to attend.
This giveaway is not Musk’s first venture into voter motivation; last year he offered another $1 million to voters in Wisconsin and other battleground states in support of First and Second Amendment rights—an initiative that was ultimately deemed lawful by a Pennsylvania judge.
With critical cases surrounding abortion rights, redistricting, and voting regulations on the horizon, observers are watching closely as the outcome of this election may reverberate through the political sphere leading up to the 2026 midterm elections.
Elon Musk, United States Supremo Court, Political Campaigns
Speaking during a rally on Sunday, Musk emphasized the importance of impartiality in the judicial system, declaring, “We just want judges to be judges,” as he proceeded to hand over two $1 million cheques to voters who had signed a petition opposing what he described as "activist" judges. The Attorney General has labeled the giveaway as an illegal attempt by Musk to influence voter behavior financially.
Musk’s legal team pushed back against the allegations, arguing that Kaul was infringing upon Musk's First Amendment rights by attempting to curtail his political speech. They framed the donation initiative as a grassroots movement to counteract judicial activism, rather than as a direct appeal for specific candidates.
Following the rejection of a last-minute intervention request by the state’s Supreme Court, Musk has continued his support for conservative candidate, Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel. Schimel is running against liberal-endorsed Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, which contributes to the election’s high stakes as it is seen as a litmus test for Trump’s influence in the current political landscape.
Emerging from the tumult, Judge Schimel has reportedly distanced himself from Musk in recent comments, expressing uncertainty about the rally after he declined to attend.
This giveaway is not Musk’s first venture into voter motivation; last year he offered another $1 million to voters in Wisconsin and other battleground states in support of First and Second Amendment rights—an initiative that was ultimately deemed lawful by a Pennsylvania judge.
With critical cases surrounding abortion rights, redistricting, and voting regulations on the horizon, observers are watching closely as the outcome of this election may reverberate through the political sphere leading up to the 2026 midterm elections.
Elon Musk, United States Supremo Court, Political Campaigns
