In a surprising move, tech billionaire Elon Musk has formally endorsed former US President Donald Trump for the 2024 US Presidential elections. The endorsement came just minutes after Trump was shot at a political rally in Pennsylvania, and Musk, known for his outspoken views, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his support.
Musk’s statement, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” was followed by a tweet featuring a photograph of Trump moments after the incident. He further added, “Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt.”
While Musk’s endorsement was sudden, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. The SpaceX CEO has been drifting rightwards since President Joe Biden took office, and Trump’s allies have been actively seeking his endorsement and financial backing due to his significant online influence.
Musk’s involvement extends beyond a mere endorsement. Reports emerged on Friday that he had donated to a Super Political Action Committee (Super PAC) dedicated to electing Trump in 2024. Sources told Bloomberg that Musk contributed to a low-profile group called America PAC, though the exact amount of his donation remains undisclosed.
America PAC, known for its behind-the-scenes work to bolster the Trump campaign, is focusing its ‘get out and vote’ efforts on key battleground states. Their efforts are being carried out through door-to-door persuasion, a strategy now allowed under recent FEC rulings that permit Super PACs to coordinate with campaigns on voter outreach.
Musk’s decision to donate to a pro-Trump group is seen as a significant blow to President Biden’s re-election bid, especially amid concerns surrounding his age and mental acuity.
The incident surrounding Trump’s shooting adds a layer of complexity to the already heated political landscape. Musk’s strong endorsement and financial support for Trump’s campaign mark a pivotal moment in the 2024 election, setting the stage for a fierce battle between two contrasting ideologies.
