Wisconsin Refers Elon Musk for Potential Election Bribery Charges

The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 5-1 to refer two complaints against Elon Musk to the Brown County District Attorney for potential criminal prosecution. The bipartisan commission found probable cause that Musk violated state election bribery laws by using social media to offer $1 million payouts to induce individuals to vote in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

During a campaign rally in Green Bay, Musk distributed three $1 million checks to voters. Additionally, his America PAC offered $100 payments to registered voters who signed a petition against activist judges. Musk spent over $20 million supporting Republican candidate Brad Schimel, who ultimately lost the race to Democrat Susan Crawford in what became the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history.

Attorneys for Musk argue the payments constituted protected political speech intended to create a grassroots movement rather than influence specific votes. These actions follow a failed attempt by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul to block the payments in court. Brown County District Attorney David Lasee now has 40 days to decide whether to bring criminal charges. Separately, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign has filed a civil lawsuit in Brown County alleging illegal lotteries and conspiracy to prohibit Musk from offering future cash payments in the state.