Ann,
Elon Musk's latest political stunt wasn't just an embarrassment for him -- it was a damning indictment of how unchecked money in politics has corrupted our democracy. Thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, billionaires like Musk have been given free rein to flood elections with unlimited cash. But even within this broken system, there are still lines that can't be crossed -- and Musk blew right past them.
In a desperate attempt to sway the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Musk didn't just spend millions -- he personally handed out $1 million checks to two people who signed a petition opposing so-called "activist" judges and pledged to vote. This was a direct financial incentive tied to political participation, a blatant violation of 18 U.S. Code § 597, which makes it illegal to offer money or anything of value in exchange for political influence.
Even after Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul warned that these payments could violate election laws, the state's Supreme Court refused to intervene -- giving Musk a chance to see just how much money can buy in American politics. His legal team claims these payments are protected under the First Amendment. But let's be clear: handing out million-dollar checks for signing a petition and pledging to vote isn't free speech. It's bribery.
Tell the Federal Election Commission to investigate Musk's blatant violations of election law immediately -- before he (or another billionaire) tries this again.
But Musk's interference didn't stop with these direct bribes. His political groups, America PAC and Building America's Future, poured over $20 million into the race -- making it the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. He tried to drown out the will of the people with an avalanche of cash.
And yet -- he lost.
Wisconsin voters weren't fooled. They rejected Musk's handpicked candidate, sending a clear message that our democracy isn't for sale. But make no mistake: if he isn't held accountable, he will try again.
For years, Citizens United has allowed billionaires to rig the system with unlimited campaign spending. But even in this broken landscape, direct bribery is still illegal. If the FEC fails to act, it will send a chilling message that there are no limits to how much billionaires can manipulate elections.
Billionaires like Musk cannot be allowed to rewrite the rules of democracy in their favor. Demand that the FEC immediately investigate Musk's actions and enforce the laws that still remain now.
Thank you for taking a stand -- before Musk starts handing out more lottery-prize sized checks in 2026.
- DFA AF Team
