Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz has taken aim at Elon Musk’s controversial $1 million-a-day giveaway, which is offered to registered voters in swing states who sign petitions supporting free speech and gun rights.
Walz claims this move, which supports Donald Trump, reflects the fact that Trump’s campaign lacks substantial policies. The criticism comes as experts raise concerns about the legality of Musk’s plan, which some argue skirts dangerously close to vote-buying.
A Campaign Without Substance
Appearing on The View, Walz commented, “When you have no economic plan that benefits the middle class, no plan to protect reproductive rights, and no plan to address climate change, you resort to these types of tactics.”
His comments align with the broader Democratic strategy of painting Trump’s campaign as devoid of meaningful policies to address the nation’s most pressing issues. Instead of offering tangible solutions, Walz argues that Trump is relying on gimmicks to distract voters from the lack of a serious agenda.
While Musk’s giveaway has caught the attention of the public, it has also raised eyebrows in legal circles. There are growing concerns that the effort could be seen as a form of vote-buying, which is illegal under federal law.
Vote-buying involves offering money or material rewards to influence voters’ decisions, and while Musk’s initiative may not cross that line explicitly, it flirts with the boundaries of legality.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Walz declined to directly comment on the legality of Musk’s move, stating, “I’ll let the lawyers decide.” However, legal experts have pointed out that, while Musk’s offer appears tied to support for specific issues like free speech, the potential for influence over voting behavior cannot be dismissed. U.S. federal law is strict about prohibiting any form of vote manipulation through financial incentives.
Beyond the legal implications, Musk’s involvement in politics, especially in such a high-stakes election, highlights the blurring lines between business and politics. The tech mogul, who has previously been vocal about his political views, has increasingly used his platform and resources to influence the political landscape.
Walz on the Campaign Trail
Walz’s appearance on The View is one of several high-profile media engagements he’s made as part of the Harris-Walz campaign.
The vice-presidential candidate has been busy countering the Trump campaign’s rhetoric, offering a more policy-driven message focused on economic recovery, healthcare, and climate action. Walz emphasized the importance of choosing a future where “you’re the center of it, not Donald Trump,” underscoring the Democratic ticket’s emphasis on prioritizing the needs of the American people.
This media tour comes at a critical time in the election, with both campaigns seeking to capture the support of undecided voters in key swing states. Walz has been positioning himself as a leader who can deliver real solutions, contrasting his approach with what he describes as Trump’s erratic behavior and focus on personal attacks.
In lighter moments during his interview, Walz also joked about Trump, quipping, “One nice thing about Trump is that he will not be president again.” He further referenced an awkward campaign stop by Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance, advising him to “just go in and order the chocolate doughnut.”
These lighthearted remarks helped reinforce Walz’s relatable and confident demeanor on the campaign trail.
