Bitter setback for Trump and Musk in the "Wisconsin referendum"

Berliner Morgenpost Bitter setback for Trump and Musk in the "Wisconsin referendum" Peter DeThier • 2 hrs. Interest in a spring election has rarely been so high. And at no time in history have candidates in the US spent so much money in the race for a judicial seat. The state poured $99 million into the Wisconsin duel between conservative candidate Brad Schimel and liberal Susan Crawford. Since judicial elections are officially nonpartisan, the opponents were not formally affiliated with any of the major parties. Nevertheless, Democrats invested $40 million and Republicans $32 million in the campaign. Additional funds came from third parties, most notably Elon Musk, who poured $17 million into the campaign. The sums were immense for several reasons. It wasn't just about a seat on the constitutional court of this strategically important state. The election was also a referendum that provided insight into how voters assessed President Donald Trump's first two and a half months in office. The interim assessment from the perspective of "Wisconsinites": A clear rejection of Trump's erratic governing style and Musk's rabid campaign against the state administration. The respected lawyer Crawford celebrated a landslide victory. Slap in the face for Trump and Musk in Wisconsin judicial election One thing was certain: Whoever won the coveted seat on Wisconsin's Supreme Court would tip the scales in fundamental decisions. For example, rulings on abortion rights and the power of labor unions. Also on the redrawing of electoral districts, which could help Democratic politicians. Equally important: Should a candidate, like Trump did four years ago, claim a stolen election, the Supreme Court would also have the final say. Hardly surprising: As in the presidential election in November, Elon Musk was once again involved. With lots of cash, stupid gags, and legally questionable moves. But also with a business concern of his own. Wisconsin's Department of Transportation had banned him from selling Teslas directly there instead of through authorized dealers. Musk challenged this in court and now knew he would have an ally in Schimel. Since Trump took office in January, Musk has mutated from a tech and media titan to one of the most powerful political figures in the US capital, Washington. With his austerity program, DOGE, he has dissolved entire agencies, laid off thousands of officials, and cut vital social benefits. At no time has the South African native been as unpopular as he is today. But the eccentric was undeterred. Musk with a "cheese hat" on his head In Wisconsin, the multi-billionaire appeared at campaign events wearing a so-called "cheese hat." The citizens of this agricultural state, known for its dairy products, call themselves "cheeseheads." As silly as Musk appeared during his appearances, wearing a hat resembling a large slice of Swiss Emmental cheese, he rarely received applause. The Trump confidant was also frequently booed mercilessly. More popular, albeit highly controversial, was his attempt to "buy" votes for Schimel. Similar to the presidential election in Pennsylvania, Musk distributed $1 million checks to voters. This time, those willing to sign a petition against "activist judges" had a chance. In other words, against Democratic judges who support unions and fight for every woman's right to freely decide on abortion. Tech giant loses influence Musk donated over $45 million to the Republican campaign. In the last week before the election, he even moved to Pennsylvania. There, the multi-billionaire tried to tip the scales in contested districts. He spoke to voters and held town hall meetings. The entrepreneur also pumped six-figure sums into advertising. This was primarily focused on local media and social media, which were seen by the target audience. But four and a half months later, the cards have been reshuffled. Back then, voters felt flattered by the superstar Musk. Today, however, he has a reputation as an unpredictable destroyer. Voters in many of the areas Trump won are in dire need of social benefits, which have now been frozen. Many of the agencies that fell victim to Musk's DOGE crusade also have branches in individual states. As a result, many jobs have been lost. "Trump is acting crazy, and Musk is just a disgusting person," said Mary Ann, a mother from Milwaukee. "I can't believe I voted for the Republicans last year."