Elon Musk distributes $1 million to Wisconsin voters at event
Elon Musk's controversial involvement in Wisconsin politics takes an unexpected turn as he hands out hefty rewards to supporters.
According to the New York Post, the billionaire distributed $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters who served as "spokesmen" for his online petition against "activist" judges, after the state's Supreme Court declined to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the legality of his cash giveaway scheme.
The recipients of the million-dollar checks have strong ties to Republican campaigns and a history of supporting President Trump. Musk's action came shortly after Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul's legal challenge was rejected by multiple courts, including two lower courts and the state Supreme Court.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Draws National Attention
The controversial cash distribution occurs amid a highly contested state Supreme Court election that has already broken national records for judicial race spending. More than $81 million has been poured into the campaign from both sides, highlighting the race's significance for future political outcomes in the battleground state.
Brad Schimel, a conservative candidate backed by Trump and Musk, stands at the center of this heated contest. Support groups associated with Musk have contributed over $20 million to Schimel's campaign, demonstrating the tech mogul's substantial investment in the race's outcome.
During his Wisconsin appearance, Musk delivered an impassioned speech while wearing a cheese hat, emphasizing the election's importance.
Legal Challenges Meet Dead End
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul's eleventh-hour attempt to halt Musk's check distribution faced unanimous rejection from the state Supreme Court. The legal challenge centered on Wisconsin law prohibiting the offering of valuable items in exchange for votes.
Despite the court's liberal majority of 4-3, they declined to hear the case without providing an explanation. This decision followed similar rejections from two lower courts, effectively clearing the way for Musk's controversial cash distribution.
The billionaire's strategy mirrors his previous attempt during the 2024 election, where he offered similar monetary rewards to swing state voters who signed a petition supporting constitutional amendments.
Critical Decisions Loom for Wisconsin Supreme Court
The state's highest court faces several crucial rulings in the coming months that could reshape Wisconsin's political landscape. These decisions will impact multiple areas, including abortion rights, congressional redistricting, union power, and voting regulations.
Musk specifically addressed the redistricting issue during his appearance, expressing concern about potential Democratic influence. He warned supporters about the possibility of losing Republican seats through redistricting efforts.
Liberal critics have voiced concerns about Musk's substantial financial involvement in the judicial race, suggesting his support for Schimel aims to influence future court decisions.
Musk stated:
I think this will be important for the future of civilization. It's that's significant. And if the [Wisconsin] Supreme Court is able to redraw the districts, they will gerrymander the district and deprive Wisconsin of two seats on the Republican side. Then they will try to stop all the government reforms we are getting done for you, the American people.
Billionaire's Political Strategy Unfolds
The current scenario reflects a continuation of Musk's previous political engagement strategies. A Pennsylvania judge's earlier ruling on his similar voter incentive program found insufficient evidence to classify it as an illegal lottery.
These cash distributions represent part of a larger pattern of the billionaire's increasing involvement in state-level politics. His financial influence extends beyond direct campaign contributions, incorporating innovative, though controversial, methods of voter engagement.
The significant investment in Wisconsin's judicial race demonstrates the growing importance of state Supreme Court elections in shaping national political outcomes.
Wisconsin Court Battle Resolution
Elon Musk successfully distributed $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters following multiple court victories against legal challenges from state officials. The controversial cash giveaway occurred ahead of a crucial state Supreme Court election that could influence Wisconsin's political landscape through upcoming decisions on redistricting, voting rules, and other significant matters.
The state's highest court, including both lower courts, rejected Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul's attempts to block the distribution, setting a precedent for similar future actions in political campaigns. These developments unfold as Wisconsin prepares for judicial decisions that could impact the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election in this key battleground state.