Billionaire tech executive Elon Musk made a dire prediction about the upcoming presidential election during a Saturday appearance with Donald Trump, stating that Trump is the only candidate who can “preserve democracy in America.” Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, joined Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president survived an assassination attempt in July. Musk warned that “this will be the last election” if Trump doesn’t win, donning a black-on-black cap bearing the “Make America Great Again” slogan. He referred to himself as “Dark MAGA,” implying the ominous nature of his remarks.
This marked Musk’s first appearance at one of Trump’s rallies and signified a growing alliance between the two men as the election draws near. Musk has created a super PAC supporting Trump and has been heavily involved in get-out-the-vote efforts in the final months of the campaign. Trump has even mentioned that he would consider having Musk lead a government efficiency commission if he is reelected. The two men engaged in a lengthy public conversation in August, primarily discussing the assassination attempt on Trump, illegal immigration, and plans to reduce government regulations.
At the rally in Butler, Musk sought to paint Trump as a defender of free speech, claiming that Democrats aim to restrict rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to vote. He also criticized a California initiative to ban voter ID requirements. The rally took place at the same location where a gunman had shot Trump in the right ear and killed one of his supporters in July, leaving several injured. Family members of the deceased supporter, Corey Comperatore, as well as other attendees and first responders, returned to the site for the event. Joining Trump at the rally were his running mate Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance, son Eric Trump, daughter-in-law and RNC co-chair Lara Trump, along with Pennsylvania lawmakers and sheriffs.
The divisiveness and intensity of the presidential race were clearly evident in Musk’s remarks and the overall tone of the rally. Musk’s endorsement and support of Trump further solidify the relationship between the tech executive and the former president. The implications of Musk’s prediction that this election could be the last highlight the high stakes of the upcoming vote and the potential consequences of the outcome. With the election only weeks away, the collaboration between Musk and Trump underscores the significant role that tech executives and billionaires play in shaping the political landscape and influencing public opinion.
Overall, the Saturday rally in Butler was a dramatic and charged event, with Musk and Trump delivering impassioned speeches about the importance of the upcoming election. Musk’s warnings about the future of democracy in America and his assertion that Trump is the only candidate who can preserve it set a sobering tone for the event. The presence of family members of the victim from the July shooting added a somber element to the rally, underscoring the real-world impact of the political rhetoric and division that have characterized this election cycle. The alliance between Musk and Trump, as well as Musk’s involvement in supporting the Republican nominee, highlight the significant role that influential tech executives and billionaires play in shaping the political landscape.
