In a dramatic turn of events, Elon Musk has publicly endorsed Donald Trump following a tumultuous rally in Pennsylvania. The former president, who is the leading candidate for the Republican nomination, was abruptly escorted off stage by Secret Service agents after gunshots were heard.
Shortly after the incident, Musk took to X, the platform he owns, to express his support. "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery," Musk posted. Trump, who appeared to have blood on his head and ear, was taken to a local medical facility for treatment, with his spokesman assuring the public that he "will be fine."
Musk, known for his roles as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, also shared a powerful image of Trump pumping his fist with the American flag behind him, surrounded by Secret Service agents. Drawing a historical parallel, Musk compared Trump to Theodore Roosevelt, who survived an assassination attempt while campaigning in 1912.
The rally in Butler County ended tragically, with one spectator dead and another in serious condition. The shooter was confirmed dead.
Although Musk had not formally endorsed Trump before this incident, he has been vocal about his opposition to President Joe Biden’s re-election bid. In March, Musk stated that he would not financially support either presidential candidate. However, reports from Bloomberg on Friday revealed that Musk had made a significant, undisclosed donation to a pro-Trump super PAC, America PAC.
Earlier this year, Musk met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach. During Tesla’s 2024 annual shareholder meeting, Musk mentioned that Trump "does call me out of the blue for no reason," indicating ongoing communication between the two.
As the world's wealthiest person, with a net worth estimated at $250 billion by Forbes, Musk's endorsement of Trump adds a significant layer to the political landscape as the 2024 election approaches. This endorsement marks a notable shift in Musk’s political stance and could influence the broader narrative leading up to the election.
