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4w ago

Elon Musk Distributes $1 Million Checks to Voters in Wisconsin Court Race

Wisconsin Supreme Court allows Musk's controversial payments as record-breaking judicial election nears.

Elon Musk presents a check for $1 million dollars during a town hall Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
TOPSHOT - Elon Musk wears a Cheesehead hat as he speaks during a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin on March 30, 2025. An election to choose a new supreme court judge in the northern US state of Wisconsin wouldn't usually make much noise. But when the world's richest man took an interest in the race, people began to notice, and protests on March 30 drew crowds. Tech baron and political provocateur Elon Musk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has poured money into the Tuesday election, hoping to secure a conservative win. (Photo by Robin LEGRAND / AFP) (Photo by ROBIN LEGRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Elon Musk speaks during a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin on March 30, 2025.
Elon Musk presents a check for $1 million dollars to a man during a town hall Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Overview

  • Elon Musk gave $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters on Sunday, framing them as spokespeople for his political group ahead of the April 1 Supreme Court election.
  • The state Supreme Court unanimously declined to block Musk's payments despite legal challenges from Attorney General Josh Kaul, who argued they violate state laws against offering value to induce voting.
  • Musk has spent over $20 million supporting conservative candidate Brad Schimel in a race that will determine the ideological balance of the court and potentially affect congressional redistricting and abortion rights.
  • The election has become the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, with total spending exceeding $81 million and early voter turnout surging nearly 50% compared to 2023.
  • Critics accuse Musk of undermining judicial independence and consolidating political power, while supporters view his actions as a necessary counter to liberal influence.