ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Billionaire Elon Musk promised on Saturday to give away $1 million each day, in swing states, until November's election to someone who signs his online petition supporting the US Constitution.
Musk kicked off the giveaways by awarding a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Republican Donald Trump. The winner was a man named John Dreher, according to event staff.
"By the way, John had no idea. So anyway, you're welcome," the Tesla founder said as he handed Dreher the check.
Ranked by Forbes as the world's richest person, Musk is using his wealth to influence the tightly-contested presidential race between Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.
Musk started America PAC, a political action organisation he founded in support of Trump's presidential campaign. The group is helping mobilise and register voters in battleground states.
Referring to the two assassination attempts on Trump, Musk said the attempts prove Trump is ruffling feathers and upending the status quo in ways Harris won't.
The petition Musk is asking people to sign reads: "The First and Second Amendments guarantee freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. By signing below, I am pledging my support for the First and Second Amendments."
Attendees of Saturday's event had to sign the petition.
Musk has so far donated $75 million to America PAC, according to federal disclosures, making the group a crucial part of Trump's bid to regain the White House.
The entrepreneur has increasingly supported Republican causes and this year became an outspoken Trump supporter.
Trump has said that if elected he would appoint Musk to head a government efficiency commission.