Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly has characterized the relationship between tech billionaire Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump as a “quid pro quo,” suggesting a business arrangement that implies Trump is for up sale and Musk is simply buying. O’Reilly made these remarks during a segment on NewsNation’s “On Balance,” where he explored the implications of Musk’s support for Trump.

O’Reilly asserted that the connection between the two figures is fundamentally transactional, stating, “The Musk-Trump relationship is a business deal.” He emphasized that Musk’s backing of Trump appears to be motivated by his need for government cooperation in establishing electric vehicle charging stations, particularly if Trump returns to the presidency.

“In return, there’s nothing really defined, but I can tell you what Musk needs,” he continued. “He needs EV charging stations.” The former host pointed out that this relationship could lead to favorable outcomes for Musk’s business interests, calling it a “quid pro quo.”

This speculation aligns with Musk’s recent actions, including his promise to give away $1 million daily until the upcoming election to those who sign his online petition, which raised questions about the legality of such financial incentives.

During a recent America PAC event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Musk awarded a $1 million check to a participant, further intensifying scrutiny of his influence in the competitive presidential race between Trump and Democratic nominee Vice President Harris. Musk’s America PAC, aimed at mobilizing and registering voters in key battleground states, has faced challenges in achieving its objectives.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed concern over Musk’s plan to distribute cash to registered voters, labeling it “deeply concerning” and suggesting it might warrant a law enforcement review. Legal experts have raised alarms regarding the legality of these cash giveaways, citing federal laws that prohibit financial inducements for voting or voter registration.

It is a federal crime to pay people with the intention of inducing or rewarding them to cast a vote or to get registered, an offense punishable by prison time. The prohibition covers not only monetary expenditures but also anything of monetary value like liquor or lottery chances, according to a Justice Department election crimes manual.

However, O’Reilly defended Musk’s approach, asserting that the raffle system he implemented is legal.

“What Musk did was very clever,” O’Reilly stated. “He didn’t break any laws, as far as my legal experts can tell, because he’s holding a raffle as an incentive to sign his petition. That’s legal.