Wisconsin Elections Commission refers Musk election bribery complaints to prosecutors

Wisconsin Elections Commission Refers Musk Complaints for Prosecution

Elon Musk may have broken the law when he became involved in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has referred two complaints to the Brown County district attorney's office, stating that Musk's promise to hand out $1 million checks to voters could constitute election bribery. The tech CEO and groups he backed spent at least $20 million in support of Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel, in an effort to flip control of the court to conservatives. Schimel ultimately lost the election to Democratic-backed candidate Susan Crawford.

The commission voted 5-1 in a closed session to refer two confidential complaints from Milwaukee and Green Bay. Under state law, prosecutors have 40 days to notify the commission on whether they decide to prosecute.

At issue is "a social media post that offered one million dollars to individuals who voted in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Election in order to induce them to vote in that election," the commission's motion stated.

Musk's Social Media Posts

• Original post: "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. This is super important."
• Deleted post: Musk removed the original post.
• Clarification post: "Entrance is limited to those who have signed the petition in opposition to activist judges. I will also hand over checks for a million dollars to two people to be spokesmen for the petition."

Timeline of Events

• March 30, 2025: Musk gave out two $1 million checks at a Brown County rally, two days before the election.
• Throughout the campaign: Musk's America PAC offered registered voters in Wisconsin $100 to either sign the petition against "activist judges" or refer another person to sign it.
• Additional payment: The PAC gave out another $1 million check to a different Wisconsin voter who signed the petition.

Musk escaped any consequences for offering million-dollar giveaways to voters during the 2024 presidential election. Now, he may face legal repercussions for involvement in a smaller election that did not yield the outcome he sought.

Treasury Department Unveils Trump $1 Gold Coin

The U.S. Treasury Department has unveiled a new $1 gold coin featuring President Trump's likeness.

"As America commemorates 250 years of independence, the US Mint will begin striking this new $1 gold coin to honor the enduring legacy of liberty and a lasting symbol of patriotism," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote Wednesday morning. "Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all."

Legal Concerns

This move is technically illegal. According to 31 U.S. Code § 5112, no coin shall "bear the image of a living former or current President" until at least two years after their death. The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 also prohibits featuring living individuals on coins.

Editor's Pick: Can We Lose the Same War Twice? With Trump, Anything's Possible