In a stunning political twist just 48 hours before a make-or-break election in Wisconsin, the state’s Supreme Court unanimously rejected an emergency bid from Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul to block billionaire Elon Musk from handing out $1 million checks to voters.
The request? Urgent. The timing? Chaotic. The result? A 7-0 ruling that stunned progressives and sent shockwaves through political circles nationwide.
Checks, Cameras, Controversy…It all started with two giant checks.
On Sunday night, at an America PAC town hall in Green Bay, Musk strode onstage and handed out two $1 million checks to voters who had signed a petition opposing what he called “activist judges.” As cameras flashed and social media exploded, Musk made it clear: this wasn’t about buying votes — it was about blowing up the conversation.
“This is just to get attention,” Musk said, hoisting the check in front of a roaring crowd. “And when I do this, legacy media loses their mind.”
Mission accomplished.
The Attorney General’s Last-Minute Move
Just hours before the event, Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul rushed to the state’s liberal-leaning Supreme Court, demanding they intervene. He argued that Musk’s offer violated state election law by giving “anything of value” in exchange for casting a ballot.
But the court — including all four liberal justices and three conservatives — saw things differently. They declined to block the event, and Musk’s checks went out on live broadcast.
“Illegal in Wisconsin to bribe voters? That’s exactly what Elon Musk did,” Kaul claimed.
Musk’s legal team fired back, insisting the money was not tied to voting for any specific candidate, but rather an attempt to build momentum against judicial activism. The two recipients had already voted, weakening the AG’s argument.
Behind the Checks: A High-Stakes Battle for the Court
This isn’t just about giant checks or Musk’s headlines. It’s about a battle for the soul of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court — and possibly the U.S. House.
At the center: Republican candidate Brad Schimel, a former state AG backed by Musk and several right-leaning PACs. His liberal opponent, Judge Susan Crawford, could maintain the court’s narrow 4-3 liberal majority if she wins. That majority has the power to redraw Wisconsin’s congressional maps — a move that could cost Republicans two House seats and shift national power in 2026.
“If Crawford wins, redistricting is back on the table — and Republicans are in serious trouble,” warned political scientist Barry Burden of UW–Madison.
Musk and Presler: A Voter Turnout Tag Team
Musk isn’t working alone. Scott Presler, a conservative ground-game guru credited with turning Pennsylvania red in 2022, has joined the charge in Wisconsin.
Presler’s message? This is do-or-die.
“I warned people in 2023 when Protasiewicz won. If they don’t pay attention now, it’ll happen again,” he told Breitbart News.
Together, Musk and Presler are unleashing a last-minute push to energize Republicans — and they’re not holding back. Musk’s Building America’s Future has already dropped $1.5 million on TV and digital ads for Schimel. America PAC is funneling another million into canvassing and turnout operations.
What Comes Next
With the court’s blessing, Musk’s giveaways — controversial or not — are continuing full steam ahead. The final check recipients will be named after Tuesday’s election, and more surprise tactics may be in play.
The stakes? Sky-high.
In a state already torn between a Republican-controlled legislature and a Democratic governor, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has become ground zero for some of the nation’s most heated legal and political battles.
As voters head to the polls, one thing is clear: this is no ordinary state race. It’s a national proxy war — with Musk, millions, and the future of the U.S. House hanging in the balance.