Billionaire Elon Musk reenters the political spotlight, giving two $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters before the Supreme Court election. This highlights Musk’s growing role in judicial races and his push to shape courts on issues like abortion and labor rights.
At a rally in Green Bay, Musk addressed a crowd of approximately 2,000 supporters, emphasizing the election’s significance. Donning a massive cheesehead hat, he declared the election a “super big deal” and stressed the importance of judicial impartiality, stating, “We just want judges to be judges.” At the event, Musk gave $1M checks to two who signed a petition against “activist judges.”
Musk’s financial involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race is substantial. His groups spent $17.5M backing Brad Schimel in a record-breaking race. Musk’s tactics mirror those from the 2024 presidential election, where he financially incentivized voters to back conservative causes.
The billionaire’s actions have sparked legal and ethical debates.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit attempting to block Musk’s cash giveaways, arguing that offering financial incentives to voters violates state laws against election bribery. However, the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to hear the case, effectively allowing Musk’s payments to proceed. Critics say Musk aims to sway the court and redistricting, affecting House control.
Musk’s defense hinges on the argument that his financial incentives are an exercise of free speech. His legal team asserts that the payments are intended to generate grassroots opposition to activist judges, rather than to explicitly advocate for or against any specific candidate.
This stance has ignited a broader discussion about the boundaries of political contributions and the definition of election bribery.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election, scheduled for April 1, pits conservative Brad Schimel against liberal Susan Crawford. The outcome will influence the court’s ideological stance on significant issues like abortion rights and labor laws. Musk’s involvement is viewed as an early indication of support for President Donald Trump in this key battleground state.
Musk’s financial interventions are not unprecedented. In 2024, he gave $1M daily to swing-state voters backing free speech and gun rights. Despite legal challenges, these giveaways were permitted by the state supreme court. Critics argue that such actions set a concerning precedent for the role of money in politics.
In addition to his political activities, Musk held a 100-minute town hall in Green Bay, discussing topics centered on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Key takeaways included his critique of the Federal Reserve, humorous proposals for a government structure modeled after 1776, and acknowledgments of Tesla’s significant stock price drop, which he attributed in part to his involvement in DOGE.
As the election approaches, the debate over Musk’s involvement intensifies. Supporters argue that his actions bring attention to critical judicial races and encourage voter participation. Opponents contend that his financial influence undermines the democratic process and raises ethical concerns about the role of money in elections.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s $1 million giveaways ahead of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election have ignited legal, ethical, and political debates. As voters head to the polls, the impact of his involvement remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly highlights the evolving dynamics of political influence and the intersection of wealth and democracy in the United States.