Tech titan Elon Musk made his first-ever appearance at a Republican rally, delivering a fiery endorsement of former President Donald Trump‘s 2024 campaign.
The event, held in Butler, Pennsylvania, was charged with emotion following the assassination attempt on Trump at the same location in July.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took the stage to laud Trump’s resilience. “This is a man who has COURAGE UNDER FIRE!” he declared to the roaring crowd, his voice booming through the packed venue.
The billionaire first made his endorsement of Trump public on July 13, in the immediate aftermath of the first assassination attempt against the Republican nominee.
Elon Musk (L) shakes hands with Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump back stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds on October 05, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. This is the first time that Trump has returned to Butler since he was injured during an attempted assassination on July 13. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Musk, known for his outspoken nature and controversial social media presence, didn’t mince words as he addressed rallygoers. “This is the most important election,” he declared.
He then made a series of contentious and false claims, stating without evidence, “They want to take away your arms. They want to take away your freedom of speech. They want to take away your ability to have fair elections.”
The mogul proclaimed, “Free speech is the bedrock of Democracy! There’s a reason why it’s the First Amendment!” He then tied his support directly to constitutional preservation, insisting, “President Trump must win to preserve the Constitution!”
As the rally reached its crescendo, Musk’s rhetoric intensified. He urged attendees to take action, shouting, “REGISTER TO VOTE AND GET EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO VOTE! TEXT PEOPLE NOW! NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT!” The tech billionaire concluded with a battle cry: “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT VOTE VOTE VOTE!”
Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump (C) visits with Elon Musk (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance back stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds on October 05, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. This is the first time that Trump has returned to Butler since he was injured during an attempted assassination on July 13. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Musk’s appearance at the rally marks a significant shift in his political engagement. Previously pledging neutrality, he has now fully embraced Trump’s bid for the presidency.
This political move follows his recent criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris and the current Biden administration, signaling a growing rift between Musk and the Democratic Party.
Musk has said he previously voted for Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton as well as Joe Biden. However, in recent years, Musk’s criticism of the current administration has intensified, with the mogul expressing concerns over government policies while adopting right-wing beliefs.
Musk’s support for Trump appears rooted in concerns over government overreach and its impact on innovation. On X, the social media platform he owns, Musk posted, “Unless something is done about the bureaucratic smothering of America, humanity will never reach the stars.”
He emphasized his belief that re-electing Trump is crucial for preventing “continued expansion of oppressive big government, making progress impossible.”
Newsweek contacted Trump’s campaign and Musk via email on Saturday via email for comment.
Elon Musk (R) dons a black “Make America Great Again” ball cap while talking with Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance backstage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds on October 05, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. This is the first time that Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump has returned to Butler since he was injured during an attempted assassination on July 13. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Trump has warmly welcomed Musk’s support. During a September 5 speech at the Economic Club of New York, Trump revealed plans inspired by the tech entrepreneur: “At the suggestion of Elon Musk, who has given me his complete and total endorsement… I will create a government efficiency commission tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government and making recommendations for drastic reforms.”
Responding to the remarks by Trump, Musk said, “I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises.”
