Introduction to Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Election

Wisconsin voters are set to go to the polls next week to choose between candidates for the state’s Supreme Court. In a significant development, Elon Musk has spent a substantial $17 million to support the Republican-aligned candidate, as reported by the Associated Press. Moreover, Musk is distributing money liberally this weekend ahead of Tuesday’s vote, offering $1 million each to two individuals who attend his rally in Wisconsin on Sunday.

Musk’s Planned Visit and Offer

Musk announced his planned visit to the state on Friday morning via Twitter, although the exact location of his appearance has not been disclosed yet. In his tweet, he stated, "On Sunday night, I will give a talk in Wisconsin. Entrance is limited to those who have voted in the Supreme Court election. I will also personally hand over two checks for a million dollars each in appreciation for you taking the time to vote. This is super important."

Legal Concerns and Backlash

However, Musk’s offer appears to contravene Wisconsin state bribery laws, as numerous individuals pointed out on social media on Friday. It seems that Musk or his lawyers took notice of the outcry, as he deleted the tweet to "clarify" his intentions. In a new tweet on Friday afternoon, Musk wrote, "To clarify a previous post, entrance is limited to those who have signed the petition in opposition to activist judges. I will also hand over checks for a million dollars to 2 people to be spokesmen for the petition."

Previous Incidents and Controversies

This is not the first instance of Musk offering large cash handouts in exchange for votes. During the 2024 presidential election, Musk did something similar in swing states, which he was attempting to deliver for President Donald Trump. Initially, he claimed to be offering $1 million prizes "randomly" in several states, but his lawyer later revealed that the giveaway was not random. Instead, the cash handouts were rebranded as "salaries" for promotional work supporting the First and Second Amendments.

Prosecution and Aftermath

Prosecutors in Philadelphia sued over the scheme, but a judge allowed the plan to proceed. Ultimately, the prosecutors dropped the case after the election. This sequence of events raises concerns about the fate of democracy, as it appears that individuals can engage in illegal activities before elections without facing consequences, as long as they emerge victorious.

Government Reaction and Injunction

Musk has been criticized for undermining democracy, particularly since he was tasked with leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by Trump. This pseudo-agency has been systematically dismantling the federal government since Trump took power. In response to Musk’s actions in Wisconsin, Attorney General Josh Kaul announced his intention to file an injunction against Musk’s actions in the state. Kaul stated, "The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that elections in Wisconsin are safe, secure, free, and fair."

Conclusion and Implications

The situation in Wisconsin highlights the existential crisis facing the United States, where international students are being abducted by secret police and sent to ICE facilities, and people are being shipped to foreign prisons without trial. If Musk is allowed to continue buying votes and his political allies are permitted to destroy the U.S. government, it may spell the end for the country. The outcome of the injunction and the election will have significant implications for the future of democracy in the United States.