US Election 2024: Biden calls Musk’s $1M giveaway ’totally inappropriate’

US President Joe Biden participated in early voting for the 2024 presidential election in his home state of Delaware on Monday. As he arrived at the polling place, Biden encouraged fellow citizens and voters waiting to cast their ballots, saying, “Let’s go vote,” emphasizing the importance of civic participation and the democratic process, before greeting other voters in line.

After waiting approximately 40 minutes to cast his ballot, the President was asked if the experience felt bittersweet. He responded with a smile, stating, “This is just sweet.”

Addressing media's questions, President Joe Biden expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris, remained optimistic about the Democratic Party's prospects, and criticized former President Donald Trump allies, particularly comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's remarks about Puerto Rico. He emphasized the importance of character in the election, questioning Trump's recent campaign remarks. Biden also condemned Elon Musk's $1 million voter incentive as “totally inappropriate” amid lawsuit filed over allegations of election influence. Also, Biden warned of a “very dangerous” North Korea-Russia alliance

Criticism of Trump's allies' controversial remarks

Regarding controversial comments passed by former President Donald Trump's allies at a large rally at Madison Square Garden in New York the previous night, Biden remarked, "It’s beneath any president but that’s what we’re used to. That’s why this election is so important.”

Biden highlighted character as a key issue in the election, asserting, “[Donald Trump] puts that in question every time he opens his mouth.” The President's comments follow a controversy sparked by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's remarks at a Donald Trump rally, where he referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating island of garbage." His statement drew backlash from both Republicans and Democrats, with accusations of racism.

Comedian calls Puerto Rico a 'Floating island of garbage'

Donald Trump's event in New York featured a series of racially insensitive remarks, with speakers making offensive comments about Puerto Rico and Vice President Kamala Harris.

In his joke, Stand-up comedian Hinchcliffe said: "There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you know this but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico."

Biden calls Musk's voter initiative “totally inappropriate”

On tech billionaire Elon Musk's initiative to incentivize voter registration with $1 million, Biden labeled the approach as “totally inappropriate.”

The Philadelphia district attorney’s office earlier in the day filed a lawsuit against Musk and his America PAC group, alleging attempts to improperly influence the election. District Attorney Larry Krasner filed the lawsuit in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, describing the initiative as an "illegal lottery" designed to entice Pennsylvania residents to share personal data.

The Justice Department earlier warned Elon Musk’s America PAC that his $1 million sweepstakes to registered voters in swing states may violate federal law.

What is Musk's $1 million challenge to support Trump

Elon Musk has committed to donating $1 million daily until Election Day to those who sign his online petition in support of the US Constitution. He also awarded a $1 million cheque to a participant at a recent Pennsylvania event aimed at rallying support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The petition, promoted by Musk, declares: “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.”

$1 Million Prize drawing for swing states

Musk’s daily drawing for $1 million is open to registered voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Musk establishes America PAC, donates $75M to support Trump

Musk, who has endorsed Donald Trump and is spending millions to back his campaign in a bid to send the former President to the White House, recently established a political action committee called America PAC. Musk has given nearly $75 million to the super PAC while campaigning in person for Trump in Pennsylvania and using his platform on X to do the same.

Musk's town Hall clarification on X

During an October 25 online town hall on his social media platform X, Musk clarified that the contest, aimed at registered voters who sign his PAC's petition, is not intended to prompt voter registration. “To be clear, this is not a petition to vote for or register for anyone. It’s really a petition in support of the Constitution of the United States, and in particular, freedom of speech and the right to bear arms,” he stated.

Biden slams Musk for past visa violations

During a campaign on Saturday, President Biden also criticized Musk's immigration stance, pointing out that Musk allegedly worked illegally in the US while on a student visa. Biden stated, “That wealthiest man in the world turned out to be an illegal worker here,” highlighting what he views as hypocrisy in Musk's public discourse on immigration.

“That wealthiest man in the world turned out to be an illegal worker here. No, I’m serious. He was supposed to be in school when he came on a student visa. He wasn’t in school. He was violating the law. And he’s talking about all these illegals coming our way?” said Biden in Pittsburgh.

Warns of “very dangerous” North Korea-Russia alliance

Addressing international concerns over North Korea's reported troop deployment to support Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said it is “very dangerous.”

In a more optimistic tone, he expressed confidence in the Democratic Party’s prospects for success in the upcoming election, stating, “I think we will,” in response to a question about the election's outcome.

Countdown to Election Day: Harris and Trump in a tight race

With just over a week remaining until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump find themselves in a fiercely competitive race for the White House. As the election approaches, both candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure voter support in what is shaping up to be a crucial and closely watched election. Biden officially withdrew from the re-election campaign in July after a disappointing debate performance raised concerns about his health and prompted worries among Democrats regarding his ability to beat Trump.