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Elon Musk Promises $1 Million a Day Giveaway to Petition Signers in Support of U.S. Constitution

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Billionaire Elon Musk made headlines on Saturday by pledging to give away $1 million each day until November’s U.S. election to someone who signs his petition in support of the U.S. Constitution. Musk kick-started this initiative by awarding a $1 million check to John Dreher, an attendee at an event in Pennsylvania meant to rally support for former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.

“By the way, John had no idea. So anyway, you’re welcome,” Musk quipped as he handed over the check to Dreher. This cash giveaway is the latest in a series of efforts by Musk to leverage his vast fortune to influence the highly contested presidential race between Republican candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.

Musk’s political action committee (PAC), America PAC, which he founded in support of Trump, is focused on mobilizing voters in key battleground states. However, recent reports indicate that the PAC has faced challenges in reaching its registration goals. Musk has held three events in Pennsylvania over the last few days, urging supporters to vote early and motivate others to do the same. At Saturday’s event, he framed the upcoming election as critical, claiming that if Harris wins, it could be “the last election,” hinting at dire consequences for the future of the U.S.

During his speech, Musk referenced two assassination attempts on Trump, arguing that they demonstrate Trump’s disruptive influence on the political landscape, something he claims Harris is incapable of achieving. “Assassinating a puppet is worthless,” Musk remarked, reiterating a claim he made earlier on social media.

The petition, which Musk is encouraging people to sign, pledges support for the First and Second Amendments, affirming freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. Attendees at the Pennsylvania event were required to sign the petition, allowing America PAC to collect voter contact details as part of its effort to boost Trump’s voter turnout.

Musk, ranked by Forbes as the richest person in the world, has contributed at least $75 million to America PAC, according to federal records, making it a key player in Trump’s bid for re-election. Musk, known for his ventures in Tesla and SpaceX, has increasingly aligned with Republican causes, emerging this year as a vocal Trump supporter. In response, Trump has stated that, if re-elected, he would appoint Musk to lead a government efficiency commission.

 

Harris Courts Black and Latino Voters Amid Trump’s Gains

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As the U.S. presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris is intensifying her outreach to Black and Latino voters, recognizing the critical role these demographics play in determining the election’s outcome. Recent polling indicates a shift, with Donald Trump making inroads among these voters, despite Harris’s initial strong support.

A New York Times/Siena poll reveals that Harris commands about 78% support from Black voters, a notable decrease from the near 90% historically achieved by Democrats. This decline is particularly pronounced among Black men, raising alarms about voter turnout as the election date nears.

Key States and Economic Concerns

In battleground states like Arizona, where nearly 25% of voters are expected to be Latino, and Georgia, where Black voters make up about 30% of the electorate, the stakes are high. Economic issues, especially inflation and living costs, dominate the concerns of Black and Latino voters. Many express dissatisfaction with the current economic climate, which has pushed some to consider supporting Trump.

Quenton Jordan, a Virginia resident who previously voted for Barack Obama, now backs Trump, citing the tangible struggles posed by inflation. “It’s making it harder for me,” he noted, highlighting how economic pressures can influence voter sentiment.

Trump’s Appeal: Economic and Social Issues

In Nevada, a state with a significant Latino population, residents like Lydia Dominguez report that many Latinos now view Trump more favorably, recalling the economy’s performance during his presidency. She emphasized that concerns about affordability have diminished the stigma around supporting Trump among her community.

Even some voters leaning toward Harris acknowledge that economic issues are compelling many to shift their support. Diego Arancivia, a former Republican in Nevada, stated that economic concerns alone could lead community members to vote for Trump, despite their personal feelings about him.

Immigration and Border Security

Concerns surrounding immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border further complicate the electoral landscape. Many Black and Latino voters feel the Biden administration’s handling of border security has been inadequate, making Trump’s hardline stance appealing. Rolando Rodriguez, a former Democrat and Trump supporter from Texas, described the situation at the border as unprecedented, emphasizing the challenges it poses to local communities.

Jordan echoed these sentiments, asserting that resources should prioritize longstanding needs in the Black community rather than being diverted to assist migrants. This perspective aligns with Trump’s rhetoric, as he has framed immigration as an “invasion” negatively affecting both Black and Latino communities.

Shifts in Social Views

Political science professor Quardricos Driskell highlights a perceived disconnect between the Democratic Party’s social agendas and the values of some Black male voters. Many feel that their views on masculinity and social issues are being overlooked by Democrats. Clarence Pauling, a barbershop owner in South Carolina, noted that he finds the Republican Party’s stance more aligned with his religious beliefs regarding gender and sexuality.

Harris’s Response and Strategies

In response to these challenges, Harris is ramping up her campaign efforts, unveiling an “opportunity agenda for Black men” and engaging with Black entrepreneurs in key swing states. She is also set to speak with influential figures in the Black community, such as radio host Charlamagne Tha God.

As Trump actively courts Black and Latino voters during town hall events, he boasts of improving polling numbers within these demographics, suggesting a shift in the political landscape that Harris must urgently address to galvanize voter turnout in November.

Ripple’s Chris Larsen Donates $1 Million to Harris PAC, Signaling Crypto Industry’s Support for Vice President

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Chris Larsen, co-founder and chairman of Ripple, has made a significant $1 million contribution in XRP tokens to Future Forward, a super PAC backing Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Larsen’s move is noteworthy, as the crypto industry has predominantly supported Republican candidates, with many leaders favoring former President Donald Trump.

Larsen’s support for Harris comes after months of conversations with campaign insiders, where he felt reassured by her understanding of the innovation economy, particularly given her ties to the Bay Area, a hub for tech and blockchain development. Harris’ replacement of President Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket in July further cemented Larsen’s confidence in her ability to address industry concerns.

A Shift Toward Harris: The Crypto Community and Political Influence

Larsen’s contribution is part of a broader trend of crypto-related political donations, though the majority has been directed toward Republicans. Public Citizen, a nonprofit watchdog group, reported that nearly half of all corporate donations in the 2024 presidential race come from the crypto sector. While Trump has received over $4 million in virtual tokens, Larsen has aligned with Harris, becoming one of the first major crypto figures to back her candidacy.

Larsen, who has a net worth of $3.1 billion, has also been politically active in other areas. His contributions in 2023 alone include donations to Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and support for John Deaton, a Republican taking on Elizabeth Warren, a staunch crypto critic. Larsen’s contributions to the Harris campaign, totaling around $1.9 million, show his increasing stake in the political future of cryptocurrency regulation.

Regulatory Concerns and Industry Frustration

Larsen’s backing of Harris stems from frustration with Gary Gensler, chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who has been perceived as hostile toward the crypto industry. Gensler’s aggressive stance, including actions against Ripple for alleged securities law violations, has made him a contentious figure within the space. Ripple’s legal battles with the SEC have cost the company over $100 million in litigation fees, a situation Larsen and other industry leaders attribute to a regulatory landscape plagued by uncertainty and overly strict measures.

Ripple’s leadership, including CEO Brad Garlinghouse, has expressed disappointment with Gensler’s approach, calling it “purposeful chaos” designed to stifle the domestic crypto market while empowering less regulated international operations. Larsen, in particular, views Harris as someone who could bring a more balanced and “pragmatic approach” to crypto regulation, contrasting her with Gensler’s more punitive strategies.

Growing Crypto Support for Harris

While Ripple has been a consistent donor to pro-crypto initiatives, Larsen’s support for Harris could be a turning point in how the industry approaches Democratic candidates. Uniswap, a decentralized exchange currently facing legal scrutiny, has also seen its legal chief, Marvin Ammori, contribute to the Harris Action Fund. Additionally, Anthony Scaramucci, former White House communications director under Trump, has given over $36,000 to PACs supporting Harris, signaling a shift in crypto donor allegiances.

One key area where Harris has begun to address the crypto space is through her “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” which includes a framework for cryptocurrency in the U.S. that emphasizes safeguarding assets while promoting innovation. Harris highlighted the importance of AI and digital assets during a $27 million fundraiser in New York, marking one of her first major public acknowledgments of cryptocurrency.

Challenges Ahead

Despite Larsen’s contributions and optimism, some skepticism remains within the crypto community. James Delmore, a blockchain analyst, noted that many in the Ripple and broader crypto communities are uncertain about Harris’ policies and how she would navigate the complex regulatory landscape. However, Larsen remains unfazed by criticism and emphasized that he is confident in Harris’ ability to lead the crypto space forward with a more pragmatic regulatory framework.

With industry leaders like Ben Horowitz of Andreessen Horowitz also showing signs of supporting Harris after initially backing Trump, it appears that Harris’ candidacy is gaining momentum among influential crypto advocates. Horowitz, a long-time friend of Harris, recently indicated plans to make a significant contribution to her campaign, further aligning the interests of Silicon Valley with her presidential bid.