In a politically charged appearance, billionaire tech executive Elon Musk took to the stage with former President Donald Trump on Saturday, casting the 2024 presidential election as pivotal for the future of democracy in America.
Speaking to a packed crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania, Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter), issued a dire warning: “This will be the last election” if Trump doesn’t win.
Musk, who wore a black “Make America Great Again” cap, further intensified his rhetoric by labeling himself “Dark MAGA,” a nod to his unwavering support for the Republican nominee.
This marked Musk’s first public appearance at one of Trump’s signature rallies, underscoring the increasingly visible alliance between the two influential figures.
Musk sought to portray Trump as a champion of free speech, arguing that Democrats want “to take away your freedom of speech, they want to take away your right to bear arms, they want to take away your fight to vote, effectively.”
He was particularly critical of California’s efforts to ban voter ID requirements, portraying such measures as threats to personal liberty and American democracy.
The rally, held on the same grounds where Trump survived an assassination attempt in July, carried a somber undertone.
During that incident, a gunman’s bullets narrowly missed Trump, grazing his ear and killing a supporter, Corey Comperatore, while injuring several others. Comperatore’s family and other survivors returned to the site to pay tribute during Saturday’s event.
Trump, whose campaign has seen growing momentum, responded warmly to Musk’s support. The two men have deepened their political alliance over recent months, and Musk has poured significant resources into a super PAC supporting Trump’s bid for re-election.
During the rally, Trump addressed the assassination attempt, calling it “a tragic day” but a reminder of the fight ahead. “They want to take me out,” Trump said, “because they know we’re going to win.”
Musk’s appearance comes just months after the pair engaged in a rare, extended conversation on X, where they discussed issues ranging from government regulations to the attempted attack on Trump’s life. Saturday’s rally, however, focused on galvanizing voters in the final stretch of a fiercely competitive election cycle.
Joining Musk and Trump on stage were prominent Republican figures, including Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s son Eric Trump, and daughter-in-law Lara Trump, who serves as the RNC co-chair.
The event also featured Pennsylvania lawmakers and local sheriffs, further emphasising the importance of the state in the upcoming election.
With just weeks to go before Election Day, Musk’s involvement in Trump’s campaign signals an intensified push to energize the Republican base, with the billionaire painting the stakes in stark, existential terms.
Chioma Kalu
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