How to get 1 million dollars from Elon Musk

Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has launched a highly controversial initiative that could put $1 million in your pocket—if you're lucky. Musk has pledged to give away $1 million each day to individuals who sign a petition supporting the US Constitution's First and Second Amendments, as part of his America PAC, which also backs Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
But before you get too excited, let's break down the details.
The Million-Dollar Giveaway: What’s It About?
Musk’s America PAC has been raising eyebrows with its daily million-dollar prize to petition signers. The petition itself is straightforward: it advocates for free speech and the right to bear arms, enshrined in the First and Second Amendments of the US Constitution. While seemingly just a call for constitutional rights, the petition has been tied closely to Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, aiming to rally support, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania.
To participate, all you need to do is sign the petition. However, there's a catch. Only registered voters are eligible for the daily prize. That’s where things get tricky, legally and ethically.
Is It Legal?

Musk’s daily cash giveaway has sparked significant debate, with legal experts raising concerns. While paying people to sign a petition is technically legal, tying the prize to voter registration could breach election laws. Election law experts like Rick Hasen and Brendan Fischer have pointed out that compensating registered voters for signing the petition may violate rules against paying individuals to register to vote or influence their voting behavior.
Hasen, a professor at UCLA Law, stated that although petition signing alone isn’t a violation, the eligibility restriction to registered voters might blur the lines of legality. Michael Kang, an election law professor at Northwestern University, added that offering such substantial financial incentives close to Election Day only intensifies these legal concerns.
The First Millionaire
The first recipient of the million-dollar prize, John Dreher, was randomly selected after attending a pro-Trump town hall event in Pennsylvania. Dreher signed the petition and was handed a check by Musk himself during a rally. Dreher’s story has become a central piece of Musk’s broader strategy to mobilize voters, particularly in battleground states.
The Bigger Picture: Musk’s Political Involvement
Musk’s initiative is just one part of his significant financial support for Trump’s 2024 bid. Musk has already poured over $70 million into Trump’s campaign through America PAC, making him one of the most influential donors in the race. His PAC focuses on raising awareness of constitutional rights and mobilising voter turnout, particularly among those sympathetic to Trump’s policies.
This giveaway scheme not only raises legal questions but also brings up broader concerns about the influence of billionaires in politics. Critics argue that such massive financial backing and cash incentives could undermine democratic processes, skewing the electorate in favor of candidates with billionaire supporters.
Ethical Concerns
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has voiced strong concerns about Musk’s initiative, calling it "deeply disturbing" during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press. Shapiro, who previously served as Pennsylvania’s attorney general, highlighted the potential dangers of "dark money" flowing directly into voters' pockets, questioning the ethical implications of Musk's giveaways.
While Musk insists his actions are purely to support free speech and the right to bear arms, critics worry that the substantial financial incentives could unfairly influence voter behavior, particularly in critical swing states like Pennsylvania.
What’s Next?
Musk has promised to continue the daily million-dollar giveaway until November 5th, the day before the election. His PAC is expected to ramp up efforts in other key battleground states, including Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
For now, the initiative remains under scrutiny, with election law experts debating its legality and ethics. If you’re keen to try your luck, all it takes is a signature on the petition. But whether this initiative will survive the legal challenges ahead remains to be seen.
So, while you might get $1 million from Elon Musk, it comes with significant controversy attached.