Elon Musk sparks major controversy after announcing $1 million 'bribe' for Wisconsin voters amid Supreme Court race
Jen Thomas
Featured Image Credit: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Elon Musk has received some backlash after saying he would hand out two 'million dollar' checks to voters ahead of the Supreme Court election in Wisconsin.
On 1 April, the Supreme Court will decide who will be in charge of the court in the US state.
The running candidates are Democrat representative Susan Crawford and Republican Brad Schimel, both vying for the ten-year tenure.
It is considered a key election as it will decide whether the highest court in Wisconsin will remain as a 4-3 liberal control, or whether it will change over to a conservative majority, Associated Press reports.
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On Friday (28 March), Musk revealed that he would appear in Wisconsin ahead of the election, where he promised to give out two cheques, offering millions of dollars to voters in what he called a gesture of 'appreciation.'
He wrote: "On Sunday night, I will give a talk in Wisconsin. Entrance is limited to those who have voted in the Supreme Court election.
"I will also personally hand over two checks for a million dollars each in appreciation for you taking the time to vote."
He finished the message by saying: "This is super important."
However, he never specified as to how these two people would be chosen.
Prior to his offer on Friday, the Tesla CEO had also offered $100 to those who signed a petition to oppose 'activist judges', NBC reports.
And people on social media have been quick to comment on his offer, with one claiming: "How is this even legal.. you are literally bribing the electorate to vote."
On Sunday night, I will give a talk in Wisconsin.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 28, 2025
Entrance is limited to those who have voted in the Supreme Court election.
I will also personally hand over two checks for a million dollars each in appreciation for you taking the time to vote.
This is super important.
Another asked: "Is this legal?"
Meanwhile, someone else said that people should be voting because 'it's the right thing to do' and 'that's how democracies work', adding: "They shouldn't need financial reward for it."
However, it appears that one person have taken him up on his offer as he wrote on X: "Exciting to announce our first million dollar award for supporting our petition against activist judges in Wisconsin!
"Next million dollar award will be announced in 2 days."
According to Associated Press, a man from the Green Bay area was the person in question.
Schimel has received both President Donald Trump and Musk's backing, with the billionaire even donating over $20 million into his campaign, The Independent reports.
Trump even posted on his website TruthSocial: "All Voters who believe in Common Sense should GET OUT TO VOTE EARLY for Brad Schimel."
Tyla has contacted Musk's reps for comment.