Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk made a striking endorsement of Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, asserting that the Republican presidential nominee is the only candidate capable of “preserving democracy in America.” This appearance marked Musk’s first involvement in one of Trump’s rallies, signifying a deepening alliance between the two influential figures as the presidential election approaches.
Speaking at the site where Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in July, Musk expressed his grim outlook on the election, warning, “this will be the last election” if Trump does not emerge victorious. Clad in a cap emblazoned with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, Musk added an intriguing twist to his political identity, stating, “As you can see, I am not just MAGA — I am Dark MAGA.”
Musk’s support for Trump has materialized through the establishment of a super political action committee that has been actively funding efforts to mobilize voters for the Republican candidate. Additionally, Trump has hinted at appointing Musk to lead a government efficiency commission should he regain the presidency.
Addressing a large crowd, Musk framed Trump as a defender of free speech, accusing Democrats of attempting to strip away fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to vote. He also criticized California’s efforts to eliminate voter ID requirements, positioning himself as a champion of conservative values.
The rally took place at the same location where a gunman opened fire in July, injuring multiple attendees and killing Trump supporter Corey Comperatore. Family members of Comperatore attended the event, underscoring the rally’s somber backdrop. Alongside Trump, Musk shared the stage with several notable figures, including Trump’s running mate, Republican Ohio Senator JD Vance, as well as family members Eric Trump and Lara Trump, who is also co-chair of the Republican National Committee.
As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, Musk’s increasing involvement with Trump’s campaign signals a potentially significant shift in the political landscape, combining the realms of technology and politics in a bid to galvanize support for the Republican nominee.