Elon Musk's multi-million dollar election gambit triggers legal battle

Billionaire and close US President Donald Trump ally Elon Musk is facing swift legal action following his promise to give $1 million to two voters in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race. The move is seen as Musk's latest effort to leverage his immense wealth to influence critical US elections.
Wisconsin attorney general Josh Kaul announced on Instagram that his office was "aware of the offer recently posted by Elon Musk" and confirmed plans to "take legal action today to seek a court order to stop this from happening."
Musk, the world's richest man and a key advisor to President Donald Trump, has already invested millions to support Republican candidate Brad Schimel. If elected, Schimel would shift Wisconsin's Supreme Court to a conservative majority, a change that could have far-reaching implications in the battleground state.
In a post on X, the social media platform he owns,

Musk

declared that he would "hand over checks for a million dollars" to two individuals who sign a petition opposing "activist judges"—a term frequently used by Republicans to criticise judicial rulings unfavorable to Trump's policies. Additionally, Musk pledged $100 to every person who signs the petition.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to rule on crucial issues in the coming term, including abortion access and voting regulations ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Schimel has garnered strong support from Trump, who recently emphasised the significance of the race on his Truth Social platform, calling it "really big and important."
Musk's offer in Wisconsin mirrors similar high-stakes financial interventions he has made in battleground states during the ongoing presidential election cycle. His growing political involvement comes alongside his companies' extensive government contracts and his influence in Trump's administration, where he has played a role in reducing spending across both foreign and domestic policy sectors.
Meanwhile, Tesla—facing declining stock prices amid public backlash against Musk—has recently sued Wisconsin over the state's refusal to grant dealer licenses for its vehicles.