Elon Musk’s Backed Political Committee Under Investigation for Potential Michigan Law Violations
August 5, 2024, New Delhi
Elon Musk, the tech tycoon and Tesla owner, faces investigation from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office for potential breaches of election laws. This follows allegations that the political committee Musk formed and funded, known as the America PAC, has been improperly collecting voter data.
Musk’s Political Involvement Under Scrutiny
Musk has been open about his support of former US President, Donald Trump, and his decision to create the America PAC was in alignment with this endorsement. The committee, which supports Trump, is under investigation following reports by CNBC suggesting it has been collecting personal data under the guise of voter registration.
According to these reports, the PAC has been collating sensitive information from individuals in Michigan and several other states via its website, raising concerns about possible misuse of this information for political purposes.
Potential Violations Being Reviewed
A spokesperson from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office informed news outlets that “the Department is reviewing the activities of the America PAC”
Any potential violations would be referred to the Michigan Attorney General’s office for further action. The investigation is centered around the PAC’s practice of collecting personal data including ZIP codes, addresses, and phone numbers from people in Michigan who clicked the “register to vote” button on the America PAC website.
According to the Department’s spokeswoman, the PAC did not provide a voter registration link after collecting this personal data, leading to accusations of misleading conduct and misuse of personal information.
“Every citizen should be fully aware of how PACs use their personal information, particularly when an entity claims it will assist with voter registration,” the spokeswoman added, emphasizing the need for transparency and lawful conduct from all political action committees.
Conflicting Opinions on the Legal Position
There is not currently a consensus among legal experts on whether the actions of Musk’s America PAC constitute a breach of Michigan’s election laws.
Barbara McQuade, a former US attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, asserted in an interview with CNBC that she was “not aware of any laws being broken.” Meanwhile, other legal voices have expressed concern over the PAC’s actions, but stopped short of declaring them a clear violation of Michigan law.
As the investigation continues, further developments are expected to clarify the situation.