Elon Musk stirred significant backlash during a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he criticized Democrats and claimed they aim to erode fundamental rights. “The Democrats want to take away your freedom of speech, your right to bear arms, and your right to vote, effectively,” Musk stated, showcasing his growing alignment with Trump.
This appearance marks a notable pivot in Musk’s political involvement. Introduced by Trump, Musk aimed barbs at President Biden, suggesting a lack of resilience in leadership. “We had one president who couldn’t climb a flight of stairs and another who was fist pumping after getting shot,” he remarked, referencing Trump’s recent assassination attempt.
Musk went on to urge attendees to register to vote, warning that the 2024 election could be “the last election” if Democrats win. His claims come amid a heated national debate on voting rights, where Democrats advocate for expanded access and Republicans raise concerns over non-citizen voting—assertions that lack strong evidence.
The rally was further charged as Trump honored victims of the earlier assassination attempt, implying that political opponents were behind the attack. “We all took a bullet for America,” he claimed, promoting conspiracy theories.
Clad in a black blazer and a “dark MAGA” hat, Musk described himself as part of a new faction within the Trump movement, urging audience members to mobilize for voter registration. “This is the most important election of our lifetime,” he stressed.
Musk’s shift from a previously cautious stance on Trump to a vocal supporter represents a significant change in his political trajectory. Once critical of Trump, Musk now openly backs his campaign and has formed a political action committee to support Republican efforts.
At a 2015 Vanity Fair event, Elon Musk expressed his hope that Donald Trump wouldn’t secure the Republican nomination, stating that “that wouldn’t be good” and “would be a bit embarrassing.” He also conveyed to CNBC his belief that Trump lacked the “sort of character that reflects well on the United States.”
Fast forward to today, and Musk has become a leading pro-Trump advocate, actively promoting misinformation and pro-Russian narratives on X. This transformation raises serious concerns about the platform’s influence in the information landscape and its potential impact on public discourse.
Musk’s speech drew immediate criticism on social media, with users labeling Musk’s comments as “cringe” and “fascist.” Many expressed their discontent, stating, “Elon wants to bring back the good old days of Apartheid.” Others were more blunt, declaring, “This might be the cringiest shit I’ve ever seen in politics.”
Critics also pointed to what they perceived as desperation in Musk’s tone, with one commenter noting, “The utter desperation in Elon Musk’s voice is palpable. He knows the likelihood of getting millions of dollars in tax cuts is diminishing.”
Some commentators accused Musk of employing dangerous rhetoric, with one stating, “Ahhh! Classic fascist rhetoric. ‘Free speech for me, not for thee…’ as he removes his own ‘community notes.’”
His public speaking skills were raised, with another user remarking, “Elon is a terrible public speaker; he has no confidence.”
Check some clips of the Musk’s speech and some reactions below:
This might be the cringiest shit I’ve ever seen in politics. pic.twitter.com/TcmEqIvjwG
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 5, 2024
'Dark MAGA': The utter desperation in Elon Musk's voice is palpable. He knows the likelihood of getting millions of dollars in tax cuts is diminishing. Anybody who thinks the greed-driven billionaire is not all in on a Trump dictatorship — listen to this. pic.twitter.com/vM9kNNVIrj
— Bill Madden (@maddenifico) October 5, 2024
Jesus, this is pathetic. Two billionaire oligarchs playing on the weakness of their sub 90 IQ base.
Get up and vote, ladies and gentlemen. This shit needs to stop.
— Sarah Does Sass (@Sarah_Explains) October 5, 2024
"I'm really repeating myself for a reason." Yeah, he's an inarticulate A-HoIe who can't think of anything else to say. #Musk #MuskRat
— Devin Nunes' Uber Driver (@nunes_uber) October 5, 2024
Anyone who is sane that's listening to this will Vote for Kamala. So thanks for the shout out.
— Democracy Warrior (@Shady91524) October 6, 2024
Are we shooting people to have free speech now?
— Yasmine Mary, ARNP-FNP-C 🇺🇸 🦅 (@yazzy1967) October 5, 2024
Lmao what a loser
— Jon (@23XIfan88) October 5, 2024
Ahhh! Classic fascist rhetoric. “Free speech for me, not for thee…” as he removes his own “community notes.”
The man not only destroyed Twitter “Down 80%: Fidelity says X has plummeted in value since Elon Musk's takeover”
-USA Today
but Tesla as well.
Soon he’ll be a pariah.
— Alfred Wallace (@Al_Wallace_Esq) October 5, 2024
Elon Musk: President Trump must win to preserve the constitution. He must win to preserve democracy in America. pic.twitter.com/Kdlzo3VdxL
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 5, 2024
Elon wants to bring back the good old days! pic.twitter.com/ZFPpu56IPl
— Dexter Wright (@Dexter__Wright) October 5, 2024
Leon is a terrible public speaker; he has no confidence.
— aka.stardust 🥥🌴 (@a_k_a_stardust) October 6, 2024
I can't get over how bad Elon looks in that hat.
Like a poor Russian in 1910 selling potatoes in a village. It's a sad look.— A.J. Delgado (@AJDelgado13) October 6, 2024
“Dark MAGA” Elon Musk says that if people don’t register to vote this will be “the last election. That’s my prediction.”
He sounds very desperate, and high AF. pic.twitter.com/WQiYUV205y
— Jim Stewartson, Counterinsurgent 🇺🇸🇺🇦💙🎈 (@jimstewartson) October 5, 2024
