Late Thursday, Musk tweeted that he would be going to the former president Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, this weekend. The rally marks Trump’s return to the location of an assassination attempt on him during a campaign event in July.
Musk, himself a partisan who has grown involved in politics of late, made clear he would attend via a message on his company X (previously known as Twitter) that he bought in 2022: “I will be there to support,” Musk posted, which puts him on the same page with the former president.
Trump Returns to Butler After Assassination Threat
Trump’s Butler rally is special because this is his second trip to the area where he was nearly assassinated several months earlier. Then, in July, at a campaign rally, a man shot Trump, slitting his ear. The assailant and one of the visitors were killed, two injured. The attack happened a few days before the Republican National Convention in which Trump was announced as the GOP’s 2024 presidential candidate.
Trump’s campaign framed the visit to Butler as a show of perseverance: “President Trump’s visit to Butler will be a celebration of the American spirit. We don’t allow scoundrels such as that wicked assassin to prevail in America.” The campaign also pointed out what they described as an “act of divine providence” in the survival of Trump.
Musk’s Political Involvement
Musk’s participation at the rally ties into his increasing engagement with American politics. In July, not long after the assassination attempt, Musk formally supported Trump for president. He has since created a pro-Trump Super PAC (‘America PAC’) which has become instrumental in Republican get out the vote in key swing states.
Musk has given millions of dollars to GOP causes, including $50 million to Citizens for Sanity, an organization closely linked to Trump adviser Stephen Miller, according to The Wall Street Journal. Musk also gave $10 million to the Florida governor Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign, though DeSantis pulled out of the race earlier this year. Musk’s investment in Republican organizations and candidates began at least as early as 2022, sponsoring organizations such as Building America’s Future.
Musk’s Effect on the 2024 Election
Political experts on both sides of the aisle have said Musk’s popularity – especially on X online – may come in handy for the GOP going forward in 2024. Musk was already hailed as a “megaphone” of the right, with a huge following and presence on social media. Trump has himself hinted that Musk may have some place in the next administration (or a Cabinet post, if he wins in November).
Ongoing Security Concerns
Trump’s campaign continues to be under threat: the Pennsylvania shooting was just one of two attacks this election season. In another case last month, a man was detained at Trump’s golf course in Florida when Secret Service agents caught him trying to drag a rifle through the fencing. The man, Ryan Wesley Routh, was charged with federal gun crimes.
With Trump scheduled to address a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, along with Musk, the event is sure attract considerable media attention and interest from voters as the 2024 presidential election nears.
Follow updates from Reuters and The Wall Street Journal.
