Politics

Josh Shapiro and others call for investigation in Elon Musk paying Trump supporters

Elon Musk started giving away $1 million checks to Trump supporters at campaign events hosted through his super PAC, America PAC. Josh Shapiro and Chrissy Houlahan are calling for an investigation.

Josh Shapiro, Elon Musk
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 20: SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk awarded Kristine Fishell with a $1 million check during the town hall at the Roxain Theater on October 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images)

Elon Musk started giving away $1 million checks to Trump supporters at campaign events hosted through his super PAC, America PAC. Josh Shapiro and Chrissy Houlahan are calling for an investigation.

Democrats across Pennsylvania are raising alarms about Elon Musk’s recent antics while campaigning in favor of Donald Trump.

Musk, the CEO of X and the richest person in the world, is currently hosting campaign events across the commonwealth with his pro-Trump super PAC, America PAC, and has randomly given a $1 million check to supporters who sign his pledge supporting the constitution.

He has done this at at least three events in the past week and it raises questions about its legality because it’s a federal crime to pay people and reward them to vote. 

Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) told reporters following a Kamala Harris campaign event that the US Justice Department or authorities in Pennsylvania should investigate the issue. 

“I’m not a lawyer and Josh Shapiro is. He’s not currently in charge of any of that, and the fact that he’s indicating that there is concern, there is enough indication of concern for me,” Houlahan said.

“It just doesn’t pass the sniff test what’s going on there. And he shouldn’t be interfering in our elections in this way.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro told Meet the Press on Sunday that Musk’s pledge to give away $1 million to random Trump supporters “raises serious questions,” and invited law enforcement to look into the matter. 

“I think there are real questions with how he’s spending money in this race. How the dark money is flowing not just into Pennsylvania, but apparently, now the pockets of Pennsylvanians. That is deeply concerning,” Shapiro said. 

“I think it’s something that law enforcement can take a look at. I’m not the attorney general any more. I’m the governor but it does raise some serious questions.” 



Keep The Keystone free for everyone

If you found this story useful, would you consider supporting The Keystone?

Every day, our team works to provide Pennsylvanians with free, fact-based reporting about the issues, policies, and decisions shaping life across the commonwealth. We believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy local news—not just those who can afford a subscription.

That's why you'll never hit a paywall here (though we may ask you to sign up for our newsletter). But keeping our journalism free depends on readers who believe informed communities are worth investing in.

If our reporting has helped you better understand what's happening in Pennsylvania, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution helps us continue reporting, informing, and serving communities across the state.

Patrick Berkery
Patrick Berkery Senior Newsletter Editor
Support our team