Former President Donald Trump is once again the target of lawfare following his interview with SpaceX mogul Elon Musk, Newsweek reported. Democratic political action committee End Citizens United filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging their broadcast "amounted to a virtual campaign event" for Trump.
The former president sat down with Musk on his X, formerly Twitter, for a two-hour interview. The pair spoke about a wide range of issues, including criticism of Trump's agenda and his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2024
Although Democratic candidates routinely get such friendly treatment, End Citizens United believes the exposure was akin to a campaign contribution. As if the Trump family hasn't been through enough, the group filed a formal complaint against the former president on Tuesday in yet another attack against the former president using the law.
Many believe Trump has already been a victim of lawfare after facing an onslaught of questionable charges in several Democrat-run venues. However, this latest attempt to use the law against Trump is the most egregious example yet.
There's no shortage of establishment networks and news outlets falling all over themselves to prop up Harris. However, it's considered a grave injustice when Trump is the beneficiary of such treatment.
The complaint alleges that the interview on X "amounted to a virtual campaign event" for the former president, which translates to a campaign contribution. "Such a brazen corporate contribution undermines the anti-corruption aims of the Act, and the Commission should immediately investigate these violations and take appropriate remedial action," the filing contended.
The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 prohibits candidates from accepting these kinds of contributions from companies. In the complaint, it defines "contribution" as "anything of value" given to a candidate during the campaign that could help with their election.
It names Trump and his campaign treasurer, Bradley T. Crate, and Musk's X platform. The filing suggests the FEC "immediately investigate these violations, fine Respondents the maximum amount permitted by law, and enjoin Respondents from further violations of the law."
It's no surprise why they are making this claim given the success of the online audio-only event. According to Fox News, Musk shared that the interview received one billion views on the platform.
During the interview, Trump hammered Harris hard on many of her failings at a time when the establishment media is doing all it can to make Americans forget how awful she is. One of the main narratives they've been attempting to spin is her handling of the border issue.
While they attempted to rewrite history about Harris' role in it, Trump countered the scheme with facts. "She had three and a half years, and by the way, they have another five months that they can do something," Trump told Musk about the illegal immigration problem.
"But they won't do anything. It's all talk. She's incompetent and he's incompetent. And frankly, I think that she's more incompetent than he is, and that's saying something, because he's not too good," the former president charged.
Trump has been through so much with his opponents dragging him into court at every turn. This latest effort is particularly disgraceful considering the way Harris and other Democrats are routinely given the royal treatment by members of the media.
