A group of former Republican officials, including ex-lawmakers and Justice Department personnel, has urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Elon Musk for distributing $1 million cash prizes to voters in swing states who sign a petition from his political organization.

The letter, sent to Garland on Monday, claims that Musk’s cash giveaways aimed at supporting former President Donald Trump breach laws that prohibit paying individuals for registering to vote.

“We have not seen anything like this in recent political history,” the letter, endorsed by 11 former Republican officials who are no longer in government roles, states.

Olivia Troye, who served as a senior advisor to Vice President Mike Pence during Trump’s presidency, confirmed her signature on the letter but refrained from discussing the specifics due to the sensitive nature of the potential investigation.

These former officials argue that Musk’s petition effectively operates as a voter registration drive, disguised as a legitimate effort while serving as a blatant attempt to bribe individuals to register. They also forwarded the letter to district attorneys in Pennsylvania, requesting that they investigate whether the payments made by America PAC violate laws against unlawful payments for voter registration.

“Although these payments are framed as rewards for signing a petition or referring voters, many of them are limited to registered voters, implying that anyone wanting to claim funds must first register,” the letter elaborated.

Among the signatories were notable figures like Donald Ayer, who served as deputy attorney general under George H.W. Bush; Trevor Potter, former chair of the Federal Election Commission; and Christine Todd Whitman, former governor of New Jersey.

They pointed out that the laws Musk is allegedly violating could result in fines of $10,000 and potential prison time of up to five years.

Musk Goes All Out for Trump

Musk has been a prominent supporter of Trump lately, campaigning for him in Pennsylvania, investing millions in voter turnout efforts, and utilizing his X platform (formerly Twitter) to promote Trump while undermining his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.

The petition from Musk’s PAC aims to register “1 million voters in swing states in support of the Constitution, with an emphasis on free speech and the right to bear arms.”

In a post on X, Musk justified the cash prizes, stating that those who qualify do not have to register as Republicans or vote in the November 5 election.

The letter addressed to Garland was initially reported by The Washington Post, which confirmed that the Justice Department received it but has not indicated whether an investigation will be conducted. YSL News has also reached out to the DOJ for a comment.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro mentioned on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Musk’s intentions to provide funds to registered voters in Pennsylvania raise “significant concerns” and could warrant a law enforcement review.

Several well-known election law experts have expressed that Musk’s offer may be subject to legal scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.

Musk Distributing $1 Million Daily

Musk announced on Saturday that America PAC would implement a lottery system to award $1 million each day until the November 5 election to registered voters who support freedom of speech and the right to bear arms by signing the petition.

The rewards are only available to registered voters in seven pivotal swing states that could determine the outcome of the highly competitive election—namely Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. The petition also promises $100 to each registered voter in these states who signs it and another $100 for referring someone who also signs.

Thus far, Musk has given out $1 million each to two voters in Pennsylvania. The first winner was announced at a Trump rally in Harrisburg, where Musk noted that the winner “had no idea” they were about to receive the prize.

“So anyway, you’re welcome,” Musk remarked while presenting John Dreher with an oversized check.

The petition’s objective is to “enlist 1 million registered voters in swing states in defense of the Constitution, particularly emphasizing free speech and the right to bear arms.”

The program specifically includes only registered voters from Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, with a registration deadline set for Monday.

Musk Claims Giveaway is Legal, but Legal Experts Raise Concerns

The Tesla CEO’s involvement in assisting Trump’s campaign has generated controversy and raised significant legal questions.

According to federal election law, anyone who “pays or offers to pay or receives payment for registering to vote or for voting” is in violation of the law.

The Justice Department’s election crimes manual indicates that an illegal bribe can include any monetary value, such as lottery opportunities, that encourages individuals to vote or discourages them from doing so. Notably, the definition does not extend to providing transportation to polling stations.

Governor Shapiro is not the only one questioning the legality of these payments. Rick Hasen, a law professor at UCLA, expressed in a blog post that he believes Musk’s strategy seemingly contravenes the law.

“While some of Musk’s actions may have legal ambiguities, this specific instance is evidently unlawful,” Hasen stated.

Conversely, some legal experts have voiced differing opinions.

Michael Kang, a professor specializing in election law at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law, expressed his concerns to the Associated Press regarding a group that plans to start a giveaway shortly before Election Day. He remarked, “While it’s not the same as offering someone money to vote, it’s close enough for us to be concerned about its legality.”