DOJ warns Musk $1 million payments to voters may be illegal, FEC complaint filed
By Ray Bogan (Political Correspondent)
The Department of Justice sent a letter to Elon Musk’s super PAC, warning them that the $1 million dollar a day giveaway to registered voters may be illegal. America PAC has given away at least $4 million to 4 registered voters in swing states who sign a petition supporting the First Amendment and Second Amendment.
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Justice Department warned Musk about drawing $1 million to voters, says US press
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Click to see story on Sunday VisionSCOOP: DOJ sends Musk PAC warning letter
Click to see story on 24sight.newsAccording to multiple reports, the letter came from the DOJ’s public integrity unit which handles election related matters. Letters like this typically don’t state next steps and don’t necessarily mean an investigation has been opened, they are intended to get the recipient to change their course of action.
In addition to the letter from the DOJ, the watchdog group Public Citizen filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging the payments violate Title 52, the section of federal law that covers voting and elections.
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Public Citizen cited the Federal Election Campaign Act which states anyone found guilty of paying or accepting payment for either voting or registering to vote can be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned for up to five years. The complaint asked the FEC to investigate.
Musk said in exchange for the money he’s asking the recipients to be a spokesperson for the petition.
Straight Arrow News’ Ray Bogan spoke with Jerry Goldfeder, an attorney who has been practicing election law for more than 40 years. Goldfeder said Musk’s giveaway is illegal because the only people who are eligible are registered voters.
Jerry Goldfeder: Either they are being paid and encouraged to register or perhaps they’re being rewarded for having registered previously. So there’s a real linkage between paying someone money and the registration requirement that he’s put into place. That’s not permitted.
Ray Bogan: When Elon Musk gave out the first reward, he said, “The only thing we ask for the million dollars is that you be a spokesperson for the petition.” When he makes a public statement like that about what he says the cause is, does that make a difference?
Jerry Goldfeder: Not really because he’s requiring someone to be a registered voter. So either they’re going to register in order to sign the petition or they’re being rewarded for having been registered because those are the only people who can get this money. So there’s a direct linkage between registration and the money and that’s not permitted under the law.
Ray Bogan: What could the potential punishment be? And the second part of the question is, could the people who receive the money ultimately have to pay it back?
Jerry Goldfeder: Well, I don’t think they’d have to pay it back, but that’s an interesting issue. The Department of Justice or the FEC may require them to do so under their different set of statutes.
But the violation, if there is a violation of the statute, as I think that there is, the penalties could be civil penalties, fines against Elon Musk, or it could be a criminal case, in which case they’d have to find intent to violate the laws. And at this point, he certainly knows that the laws exist because there’s been a lot of commenting on it on social media, on TV, on all sorts of cable and so on.
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So perhaps in the beginning, he didn’t realize he was breaking the law, perhaps, but at this point he certainly should be aware and he certainly has what we call constructive knowledge of breaking the law. So I think that there’s a civil exposure as well as criminal exposure.
As Goldfeder explained, even if the FEC and DOJ decide to open formal investigations, they will take a very long time to have final results.
The Department of Justice sent a letter to Elon Musk’s Super PAC, warning them that the $1 million dollar a day giveaway to registered voters may be illegal. America PAC has given away at least $4 million dollars to 4 registered voters in swing states who sign a petition supporting the first and second amendments.
According to multiple reports, the letter came from the DOJ’s public integrity unit which handles election related matters. Letters like this typically don’t state next steps and don’t necessarily mean an investigation has been opened, they are intended to get the recipient to change their course of action.
In addition to the letter from the DOJ, the watchdog group Public Citizen filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging the payments violate Title 52, the section of federal law that covers voting and elections.
Public Citizen cited the Federal Election Campaign Act which states anyone found guilty of paying or accepting payment for either voting or registering to vote can be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned for up to five years. The complaint asked the FEC to investigate.
Musk said in exchange for the money he’s asking the recipients to be a spokesperson for the petition. Straight Arrow News spoke with Jerry Goldfeder, an attorney who has been practicing election law for more than 40 years. Goldfeder said Musks giveaway is illegal because the only people who are eligible are registered voters.
Jerry Goldfeder: Either they are being paid and encouraged to register or perhaps they’re being rewarded for having registered previously. So there’s a real linkage between paying someone money and the registration requirement that he’s put into place. That’s not permitted.
Ray Bogan: When Elon Musk gave out the first reward, he said, “The only thing we ask for the million dollars is that you be a spokesperson for the petition.” When he makes a public statement like that about what he says the cause is, does that make a difference?
Jerry Goldfeder: Not really because he’s requiring someone to be a registered voter. So either they’re going to register in order to sign the petition or they’re being rewarded for having been registered because those are the only people who can get this money. So there’s a direct linkage between registration and the money and that’s not permitted under the law.
Ray: What could the potential punishment be? And the second part of the question is, could the people who receive the money ultimately have to pay it back?
Jerry Goldfeder: Well, I don’t think they’d have to pay it back, but that’s an interesting issue. The Department of Justice or the FEC may require them to do so under their different set of statutes.
But the violation, if there is a violation of the statute, as I think that there is, the penalties could be civil penalties, fines against Elon Musk, or it could be a criminal case, in which case they’d have to find intent to violate the laws. And at this point, he certainly knows that the laws exist because there’s been a lot of commenting on it on social media, on TV, on all sorts of cable and so on. So perhaps in the beginning, he didn’t realize he was breaking the law, perhaps, but at this point he certainly should be aware and he certainly has what we call constructive knowledge of breaking the law. So I think that there’s a civil exposure as well as criminal exposure.
As Goldfeder explained, even if the FEC and DOJ decide to open formal investigations, they will take a very long time to have final results. For more reporting on the 2024 election, download the SAN app. And be sure to follow us on election night for up to date results.
Media Landscape
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Elon Musk gets warning election stunt could cost him 5 years in prison: report
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Click to see story on abc 7 NewsDOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law
Click to see story on abc30 NewsElon Musk: US Department of Justice apparently warns about million-dollar gifts to voters
Click to see story on SpiegelDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on Koco News5Justice Department warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to registered voters may be illegal – Boston News, Weather, Sports
Click to see story on WHDHThe American press writes that Elon Musk has problems with the law in the money for voters file – HotNews.ro
Click to see story on Hot NewsThe US Justice warns Elon Musk that his promise of one million dollars to registered Republican voters may be illegal
Click to see story on Eldiario.esElon Musk’s $1 Million Voter Incentive May Be Illegal, Justice Department Warns
Click to see story on The WrapJustice Department Issues Formal Warning to Elon Musk Over Million Dollar Voter Lottery: Report
Click to see story on Latin TimesSources Say Elon Musk Got Warning From Justice Department
Click to see story on NewserWhat could happen during another Trump presidency?
Click to see story on KCRWMusk warned his $1 million giveaway may be illegal
Click to see story on CTV NewsUS Justice Dept warns Musk over $1m giveaways
Click to see story on NZ HeraldThe Justicia Department advises Elon Musk that he extracts US$1 millon for the next year’s purchases.
Click to see story on KIFIAfter news of DOJ warning, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce ‘daily’ lottery winner on Wednesday
Click to see story on KRDOTrump supporter Musk’s US$1 million giveaways to US voters could be illegal
Click to see story on South China Morning PostDOJ warns Elon Musk pro-Trump PAC that $1 million voter contest may be illegal
Click to see story on CNBCAfter news of DOJ warning, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce ‘daily’ lottery winner on Wednesday
Click to see story on KVIAMusk voter lottery might violate federal law: DOJ
Click to see story on The HillJustice Department Flags Potential Legal Issues With Elon Musk-Backed $1M Voter Giveaway: America PAC Hits Back — Media Meltdown Only Helping ‘Efforts To Support President Trump’
Click to see story on BenzingaLegal analysts react to DOJ’s election warning to Elon Musk
Click to see story on NewsweekElon Musk’s America PAC under fire for $1 million giveaway; DOJ warns of potential federal law violation
Click to see story on WIONUS Justice Department warns Musk’s super PAC over $1 million giveaways
Click to see story on VOA NewsReports: Justice Department warns Elon Musk over his $1M giveaway plan for voters
Click to see story on UPIDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on KCRA 3DOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law
Click to see story on abc 7 ChicagoJustice Department warns Elon Musk $US1m giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on RNZDOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law
Click to see story on abc 7 LADOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law
Click to see story on abc 7 NYDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WCVBDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WLWTDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WMURUS Justice Department warns Musk over $1 mn giveaway: reports
Click to see story on France24DOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WLKYDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WESHDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WDSUDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WYFFDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WTAEDOJ Reportedly Warns Elon Musk His $1 Million Voter Giveaways May Be Illegal
Click to see story on ForbesDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on KCCIDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on KMBCDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WISNDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WPTZDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WMTWDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WVTMDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WAPTUS Department of Justice warns Musk’s committee about million-dollar sweepstakes
Click to see story on yleDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on KOATMinistry warns Musk about million dollar checks
Click to see story on TagesschauDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WGALElon Musk’s $1mn-a-day voter giveaway could violate US law, DoJ warns
Click to see story on Financial TimesDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WXIIDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on KSBWDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on WJCLDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on KHBSAfter news of DOJ warning, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce ‘daily’ lottery winner on Wednesday
Click to see story on KEYTThe Justicia Department advises Elon Musk that he extracts US$1 millon for the next year’s purchases.
Click to see story on KMIZAfter news of DOJ warning, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce ‘daily’ lottery winner on Wednesday
Click to see story on KIONIs Elon Musk’s $1 million payment to registered voters in swing states legal?
Click to see story on Straight Arrow NewsMusk Super PAC Gets Warning Letter About Million Dollar Giveaways, CNN Reports
Click to see story on Inc.DOJ warns Elon Musk’s America PAC that $1 million giveaway may break the law
Click to see story on fox40jackson.comDOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law
Click to see story on MyCentralOregon.comDOJ warns Elon Musk’s America PAC that $1 million giveaway might be illegal
Click to see story on Washington TimesBiden’s Justice Department tells Elon Musk his $1 million voter giveaways could be illegal
Click to see story on New York PostUS Justice Dept warns Elon Musk’s super PAC over million dollar giveaways, CNN reports
Click to see story on The Straits TimesDave McCormick defends legality of Elon Musk giveaway – Washington Examiner
Click to see story on Washington ExaminerUS Justice Dept warns Musk over $1 million giveaways
Click to see story on The West AustralianThe US Department of Justice warns Musk about his election lottery
Click to see story on Le FigaroElon Musk has broken the brains of anti-Trump politicians and commentators
Click to see story on OC RegisterMedia: Ministry warns Musk about millions for voters
Click to see story on Frankfurter AllgemeineBiden DOJ reportedly warns Elon Musk that $1 million prize for registered voters might be illegal
Click to see story on Just the NewsCNN: ‘Justice warns Musk that giving money to voters may be illegal’
Click to see story on NOSElon Musk faces legal warnings for millionaire draws in US elections
Click to see story on La Nación, Grupo NaciónLegal Analysts React to DOJ’s Election Warning to Elon Musk
Click to see story on DNyuzBiden’s Justice Department warns Elon Musk that his $1 million voter giveaways could be ILLEGAL
Click to see story on End Time HeadlinesHow Elon Musk’s $1m giveaway could hand Trump the presidency
Click to see story on The TelegraphMillions raffle: Ministry now warns Musk
Click to see story on Kronen Zeitung$1M voter sweepstakes may violate federal law, US Justice Department warns Elon Musk
Click to see story on Anadolu AjansıUS Justice Department warns Musk over giving away $1 million a day
Click to see story on De TelegraafDOJ Warns Elon Musk’s America PAC That Its Million-Dollar Voter Sweepstakes Might Be Illegal
Click to see story on The New York SunJustice Department warns Elon Musk that <br/>his $1 million giveaway to registered <br/>voters may be illegal
Click to see story on LucianneDOJ warns Elon Musk’s America PAC that $1 million giveaway may break the law
Click to see story on Fox NewsFASCISM: Harris-Biden Gestapo DOJ Threatens Elon Musk Over His $1 Million Giveaway to Voters In Swing States Who Sign His Petition
Click to see story on The Gateway PunditJustice Department Reportedly Sends Warning Letter To Elon Musk
Click to see story on WLTReportBiden-Harris DOJ Targets Elon Musk PAC Over Voter Sweepstakes.
Click to see story on The National PulseJustice Department Reportedly Sends Warning Letter To Elon Musk * 100PercentFedUp.com * by Danielle
Click to see story on 100% FED UP!Corrupt DOJ warns Elon Musk his million dollar giveaway could be ILLEGAL
Click to see story on The Right ScoopCorrupt DOJ warns Elon Musk his million dollar giveaway could be ILLEGAL – News Addicts
Click to see story on newsaddicts.comUntracked Bias
Justice Department warned Musk about drawing $1 million to voters, says US press
Click to see story on GloboUS court warns that Musk’s millionaire raffle may be illegal
Click to see story on Noticias ao MinutoMinust told Musk that his lotteries with registered collectors are illegal
Click to see story on ZN.UA Зеркало недели$1 million payment to voters: the US Department of Justice issued a warning to Musk
Click to see story on Korrespondent.netJustice Department warns Musk over giving away millions of dollars to voters
Click to see story on Het NieuwsbladJustice Department warns Musk, ‘the lottery is illegal’
Click to see story on Quotidiano NazionaleJustice Department warns Musk about his million-dollar gifts to voters
Click to see story on rnd.deMillions for Trump voters: US Department of Justice warns Musk
Click to see story on KurierReport: US Justice warns Musk about millions for voters
Click to see story on ORF.at NewsJustice Department warns Musk: Million dollars a day to registered voters in violation of federal election law
Click to see story on Dnevni list DanasWhy could Elon Musk’s million-dollar sweepstakes in the United States be illegal, according to authorities?
Click to see story on El TiempoAfter news of DOJ warning, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce ‘daily’ lottery winner on Wednesday – Egypt Independent
Click to see story on Egypt IndependentUS Justice Department warns Musk over giving away $1 million a day
Click to see story on rd.nlAfter news of DOJ warning, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce ‘daily’ lottery winner on Wednesday
Click to see story on Europe SaysSources: the US DOJ warned Elon Musk’s America PAC in recent days that his $1M sweepstakes to registered voters in swing states may violate federal law
Click to see story on TechmemeUSA – Justice Department warns Musk: Million dollar raffle could violate federal law
Click to see story on DeutschlandfunkJustice Department warns Musk about the risk of illegality in millionaire draws before the election
Click to see story on CartaCapitalJustice Department warns Musk about his million-dollar gifts to voters
Click to see story on LVZ – Leipziger VolkszeitungUS Justice Department warns Elon Musk over campaign gifts to Trump
Click to see story on القدس العربيElection officials, concerned about misinformation, confront Elon Musk on his own turf
Click to see story on WBALBiden’s government to take on Musk? Billionaire warned his election lottery ‘may be illegal’
Click to see story on Pch24.plAmerican presidential election: Elon Musk warned about his electoral lottery
Click to see story on Le TempsDOJ warns Elon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to voters may be illegal
Click to see story on MOR-TVElon Musk warned by the Justice Department his $1M giveaways could be illegal
Click to see story on Express US‘Group of Attorneys and Public Officials’ Demand Elon Musk’s $1 Million Giveaway be Investigated – American Faith
Click to see story on American FaithThe US Department of Justice responded to Musk’s distribution of money for supporting his petition
Click to see story on rbc.uaLegal Analysts React to DOJ’s Election Warning to Elon Musk
Click to see story on JingletreeElection officials, concerned about misinformation, confront Elon Musk on his own turf
Click to see story on SuperHits 103.7 COSY-FMMinistry warns Musk about millions for Trump voters
Click to see story on vol.atElon Musk reportedly warned by US Justice Department over $1 million giveaway
Click to see story on TAG24How Elon Musk’s X earns money from his campaign for Trump
Click to see story on World Today NewsElection officials, concerned about misinformation, confront Elon Musk on his own turf
Click to see story on 97.5 Y CountryElection officials, concerned about misinformation, confront Elon Musk on his own turf
Click to see story on 98.3 The CoastDOJ Warns Musk’s PAC That $1M Voter Giveaway Could Be Illegal
Click to see story on Bitcoin InsiderElection officials, concerned about misinformation, confront Elon Musk on his own turf
Click to see story on News/Talk 94.7 & 970 WMAYDOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law
Click to see story on Northwest NewsradioElon Musk PAC warned by DOJ that $1 million sweepstakes may be illegal
Click to see story on khbrknewsDOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law – Connect FM | Local News Radio | Dubois, PA
Click to see story on Connect FM | Local News Radio | Dubois, PADOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law – Everett Post
Click to see story on Everett PostElection lottery: Justice Department warns Musk
Click to see story on pme.chElon Musk’s $1M Giveaway Sparks DOJ Warning Over Election Legality
Click to see story on NewsXWhat Would a Trump Presidency Mean for the Tech Industry?
Click to see story on Tech.coJustice Department Questions Elon Musk’s $1M Voter Campaign
Click to see story on The World ReviewsMinistry warns Musk about millions for Trump voters
Click to see story on Salzburger NachrichtenDepartment of Justice warns Elon Musk that his gift of $1 million to voters would be illegal – La Opinion
Click to see story on La OpinionJustice Department warns Elon Musk against drawing for voters, sources say
Click to see story on CNN BrasilMinistry warns Musk about millions for Trump voters
Click to see story on Tiroler Tageszeitung OnlineSTA: The US Department of Justice warned Musk about gifts to voters
Click to see story on sta.siThe US Department of Justice warned Musk
Click to see story on charter97.orgAre Musk’s million-dollar gifts to US voters legal?
Click to see story on Badische Neueste NachrichtenDOJ Allegedly Warns Elon Musk PAC Over $1 Million US Election Giveaway
Click to see story on CoingapeJustice Department Warns Elon Musk’s Cash Giveaways to Voters May Be Illegal
Click to see story on thairath.co.thWin a million if you vote for Trump? Musk’s move ‘possibly illegal’
Click to see story on rtl.nlDOJ Allegedly Warns Elon Musk PAC Over $1 Million US Election Giveaway
Click to see story on BITRSSMusk’s distribution of $1 million to voters may be illegal – U.S. Department of Justice
Click to see story on unn.uaThe US Justice warns Elon Musk that his lottery
Click to see story on rmag.euDOJ warns Elon Musk’s America PAC that $1 million giveaway may break the law
Click to see story on 1330 & 95.5 WFINDOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law
Click to see story on wsjm.comDOJ Warns Elon Musk’s $1M Voter Giveaway Could Be Against the Law
Click to see story on Baller AlertWant to win a million if you vote for Trump? Musk’s action ‘possibly illegal’
Click to see story on RuetirDept. of Justice warns Elon Musk his $1M voter petition giveaway may be illegal – New York Times Post
Click to see story on nytimespost.comTrump supporter Elon Musk’s US$1 million giveaways to US voters could be illegal
Click to see story on sfdailyrecord.comElon Musk PAC gets DOJ warning $1 million contest may be illegal
Click to see story on Verve timesJustice Department warns Elon Musk’s America PAC over $1 million voter sweepstakes – Türkiye Today
Click to see story on turkiyetoday.comElon Musk Faces Warning From US Justice Department » FELA NEWS
Click to see story on felanews.comDOJ Targets Elon Musk’s Pro-Trump PAC with a Warning – Political Signal
Click to see story on thepoliticalsignal.comFASCISM: Harris-Biden Gestapo DOJ Threatens Elon Musk Over His $1 Million Giveaway to Voters In Swing States Who Sign His Petition – Politics, Policy, Political Views
Click to see story on Politics, Policy, Political NewsElon Musk’s America PAC faces Justice Department warning for $1 million daily giveaways
Click to see story on gg2.netElon Musk that his $1 million giveaway to registered voters may be illegal
Click to see story on sgtalk.netDOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law – The Pulse of NH
Click to see story on thepulseofnh.comDOJ Flags Elon Musk’s $1M Giveaway as Potentially Illegal
Click to see story on Hollywood UnlockedDOJ warns Elon Musk his $1M giveaway to registered voters may violate federal law
Click to see story on Delta Daily NewsIs Elon Musk’s $1 million gift to voters legal?
Click to see story on brytfmonlineElection officials, concerned about misinformation, confront Elon Musk on his own turf
Click to see story on MyClallamCounty.comJustice Department warns Elon Musk against lottery for voters, sources say – World Stock Market
Click to see story on World Stock MarketElon Musk’s $1 million voter giveaways may be illegal, DOJ warns
Click to see story on forbes.com.auCNN: DoJ Warns Elon Musk His GOTV Operation, Both Giving and Taking Money For Voter Registration ‘May Be Illegal’
Click to see story on frontpageindex.comDOJ warns Elon Musk’s America PAC that $1 million giveaway may break the law – Your Capital Minds
Click to see story on yourcapitalminds.comDOJ Warns Musk’s PAC That $1M Voter Giveaway Could Be Illegal – Bitcoinsensus
Click to see story on BitcoinsensusThe Justice Department warns Musk that giving away $1 million to voters could be illegal
Click to see story on Telemundo Orlando (31)DOJ Warns Elon Musk’s Super PAC Over Daily $1M Giveaway in Battleground States
Click to see story on Poli AlertElon Musk’s America PAC faces Justice Department warning for $1 million daily giveaways
Click to see story on XPERT TIMESThe Justice Department has warned Elon Musk that his $1 million gift to registered voters may be illegal
Click to see story on Sunday VisionSCOOP: DOJ sends Musk PAC warning letter
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