The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Oct. 20, 2026
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October 19, 2026 11:31 amAUSTIN, TX — According to multiple reports, Elon Musk is settling two class action lawsuits against him for telling voters who gave their personal information to his America PAC they were entered into a lottery for one of several $1 million dollar payouts. It turned out to not be a random drawing. The setback has not stopped Musk’s spending for the 2026 midterms.
The settlement was announced to the court Oct. 15th, though no terms have yet been disclosed. Participants complained that the world’s richest man said publicly that voters in swing states who provided their personal information to his America PAC would be entered into a drawing for one of several $1 million dollar prizes in the last days before the 2024 election. America PAC lawyers later admitted to the court that the winners were not chosen at random, but for their qualities to be a spokesperson.
America PAC never disclosed how many voters signed the petition, but had said its goal was to collect contact information for one to two million people.
While Musk has been noticeably less flashy this cycle, he’s still flashing the cash. Recent Federal Election Commission filings show he is by far the GOP’s largest donor, spending $276 million dollars supporting GOP candidates for the 2026 midterms.
We have our past reporting on Musk’s controversial promotions at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources
Huffington Post – Elon Musk Settles Class Action Lawsuit Over Duping Trump Supporters
Politico – Megadonors are powering Republicans’ spending advantage
CNN – Elon Musk settles fraud lawsuits over his $1 million giveaways to 2024 election voters
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Elon Musk and America PAC Face Prosecution for ‘Election Bribery’ for Million Dollar Check Giveaway During 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
American Democracy Minute – Federal Judge Won’t Dismiss Class Action Suit Against Elon Musk
Groups Taking Action:
Campaign Legal Center,Law Forward, Common Cause
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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