Musk Gives Away $1M Checks Ahead of Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

Elon Musk recently distributed two $1 million checks to voters in Wisconsin during a rally ahead of a closely watched Supreme Court election, which could shift the court's balance of power to Republicans. The event, characterized by Musk's assertion of wanting judges to be impartial, was marred by controversy, as Wisconsin's Attorney General had attempted to block the giveaway, arguing it violated state laws against vote-buying. However, lower courts rejected the challenge, and the state Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the payouts to proceed. Musk's actions were framed as a form of political speech and aimed to generate media attention, which he claimed would be more cost-effective than traditional advertising. The election is significant not only for its immediate consequences but also as a referendum on former President Trump's influence and key issues such as abortion rights and congressional redistricting. With Musk's financial backing, including $14 million toward the conservative candidate Brad Schimel, the election has already set spending records, totaling over $81 million.