Musk Defends $1M Donations to Wisconsin Voters, Calls Election Crucial for Trump’s Agenda
Elon Musk gave $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters on Sunday, calling them spokespeople for his political group ahead of a key Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Musk described the election as critical to Donald Trump’s agenda and “the future of civilization.”
Addressing a crowd of about 2,000 in Green Bay, Musk emphasized the importance of the election: “It’s a super big deal,” he said, sporting a yellow cheesehead hat. “I’m not phoning it in. I’m here in person.”
Musk and his allies have spent over $20 million supporting conservative candidate Brad Schimel in the race, which will determine the ideological makeup of the court, potentially impacting future decisions on critical issues in Wisconsin. The race has become a flashpoint for political influence, with liberal candidate Susan Crawford and her supporters accusing Musk of trying to manipulate the court’s balance.
“This is that significant for the future of civilization,” Musk remarked. He highlighted the court’s potential role in redistricting congressional districts, which could shift control of the U.S. House.
Musk further argued that if the court redraws districts, it could disadvantage Republicans, leading to a loss of seats and hindering government reforms.
A Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling on Sunday dismissed an attempt by Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul to stop Musk’s donations. Kaul had argued that Musk’s actions violated state law by offering something of value to influence votes. The court’s decision came just minutes before Musk’s rally began, with the liberal-majority court opting not to take the case.
Musk’s attorneys defended the donations, arguing they were a form of free speech and not designed to support or oppose specific candidates. They stated that the goal was to generate grassroots opposition to activist judges.
Musk’s political action committee had used a similar tactic in 2024, offering $1 million a day to voters in swing states who signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments.
In the midst of the election, Musk’s legal team requested that two liberal justices, who have supported Crawford, recuse themselves due to potential bias. The justices declined the request, maintaining that they would explain their reasoning later.
Schimel, a strong Trump ally, denied controlling any outside spending, emphasizing his commitment to rejecting activist judges and adhering to the law.
The election has shattered national spending records, with over $81 million in contributions, and is seen as pivotal for the future of abortion rights, redistricting, union power, and voting laws in Wisconsin.