Musk's cash handouts stir controversy in Wisconsin vote
Billionaire and adviser to the President of the USA, Elon Musk, handed two cheques worth $1 million (€920,000) each to voters in the state of Wisconsin. He also promised $20 (€18.5) payments to all who help elect the conservative candidate to the Supreme Court in this state. The elections are considered by experts to be a test of Trump's popularity, reports Reuters.
Voters in Wisconsin will decide on 1 April if the highest judicial body in their state will remain under liberal control or shift to conservatives. U.S. President Donald Trump and his adviser Musk endorsed Judge Brad Schimel, while Democrats support Judge Susan Crawford.
During a Sunday rally in Green Bay, Musk handed two cheques to voters who signed a petition against the activities of "activist judges." He stated that "we actually are in serious danger of losing the election."
Lawyers for Musk explained that these payments were "intended to generate a grassroots movement in opposition to activist judges, not to expressly advocate for or against any candidate."
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul from the Democratic Party filed a lawsuit on Friday attempting to block Musk's disbursement of the cheques. He believes the billionaire's actions contravene the law, which deems it a crime to give voters valuable items in exchange for their votes.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously refused on Sunday to hear the case after two lower courts had previously dismissed Kaul's complaint.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, those connected with Musk have spent at least $17.5 (€16.1) million supporting Schimel, which is over 20% of the $81 (€75) million spent in total on both candidates' campaigns. It is estimated to be the most expensive judicial nomination race in U.S. history.
Experts have no doubts. The election is a test for Trump
The Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin are seen by observers of the American political scene as a test of Trump's popularity among the electorate a few months after his return to the White House.
Tuesday's vote will also be crucial for future decisions regarding abortion rights, labour law changes, election law, and the redistricting process. This latter could impact the 2026 elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the presidential election in 2028.
