Elon Musk says Trump ‘should win to protect democracy’ at Butler, Pa. rally

Elon Musk took the stage at former President Donald Trump’s triumphant rally in Butler, Pa., Saturday — three months after the primary assassination try on his life there — the place he supplied his full-throated help for the Republican candidate and implored folks to register to vote.

Musk, 53, joked he’s “not simply MAGA, I’m darkish MAGA” as he took the stage to loud cheers from the 20,000-plus crowd wearing all black — together with a customized black MAGA hat.

“President Trump should win to protect the Structure. He should win to protect democracy in America,” Musk burdened to the viewers.

In his temporary remarks, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO took photographs at President Biden and fellow Democrats whereas praising Trump, 78, from the identical stage the place the ex-president took a bullet to the ear when would-be murderer Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, opened hearth on July 13.

“You realize, the true take a look at of somebody’s character is how they behave below hearth. And we had one president who couldn’t climb a flight of stairs and one other who was fist pumping after getting shot,” Musk mentioned to raucous applause.

Musk repeatedly urged unregistered voters to take action at their native election workplace earlier than the Nov. 5 election, which he known as a “must-win state of affairs.”

“Register to vote. Get everybody you already know — and everybody you don’t know. Drag them to register to vote,” he mentioned.

“In the event that they don’t, this would be the final election. That’s my prediction. Nothing’s extra vital,” the tech mogul warned.

The X boss, and world’s richest man, has develop into more and more outspoken about his help for Republicans on-line — one thing that has coincided with a flood of investigations from Biden’s regulatory companies.

Musk has additionally more and more put cash the place his mouth is. In August he lower a test to the Nationwide Republican Congressional Committee for $289,100, in line with Federal Election Fee information.

Over the previous yr, Trump and Musk have develop into chummy. In August Trump and Musk held a greater than two-hour dialog on X the place they talked concerning the state of the race and points dealing with the US.

On social media, the billionaire has been effusive in his reward.

“Trump will save democracy and America. Mark my phrases. Kamala/Harris could be a catastrophe.” Musk mentioned in an X posting in August. “Only a few People understand that, if Trump is NOT elected, this would be the final election. Removed from being a menace to democracy, he’s the one means to put it aside!” he added last month.

Earlier than wrapping up his 90 minutes speech, Trump vowed to “attain Mars” by the tip of his time period ought to he win once more with Musk’s assist.