Musk Hosts First Trump Event, Faces Skepticism Over Early Voting Push

Elon Musk hosted his first solo event supporting Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign on Thursday, urging voters in Pennsylvania to register and cast early ballots.
The event, held at Ridley High School in Folsom, featured Musk speaking for about 15 minutes in front of a large U.S. flag.
Many of his supporters wore “Make America Great Again” hats and cheered as he took the stage.
Musk emphasized the importance of upholding the U.S. Constitution, calling it the foundation of America’s success.
“This is literally the fundamental values that made America what it is today. And anyone who is against those things is fundamentally anti-American and to hell with them,” Musk, who was born in South Africa, said to loud applause.
The event, organized by Musk’s America PAC, aimed to encourage early voting in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
The tech billionaire urged the crowd to ensure that they, along with their family and friends, were registered to vote.
“Pester those who aren’t,” he added.
Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris are fiercely contesting the state, making voter turnout crucial.
Despite Musk’s encouragement, some in the crowd were skeptical about early voting. A few attendees even shouted, “Why?” when Musk called for voters to cast their ballots early.
Musk did not respond to the question, and a spokesperson later declined to comment further.
For years, Trump has cast doubt on early and mail-in voting, falsely claiming it was rife with fraud. Republicans are now working to encourage their base to vote early, though many Trump supporters remain hesitant.
John and Linda Bird, a couple who attended the event, expressed concerns about early voting. John said he planned to vote on Election Day.
“Anything can happen, you know, you wake up that morning, some catastrophe happens or whatever,” Linda said.
“But, you know, we’re planning on voting on Nov. 5.”
During the event, one audience member asked about fraud in elections.
Musk responded sarcastically, suggesting it must be a coincidence that Dominion voting machines were used in Philadelphia and Maricopa County, Arizona, two battleground states won by President Joe Biden.
Dominion, a voting machine company, was the subject of conspiracy theories after the 2020 election. Musk’s remarks referenced these theories despite them being debunked.
Dominion issued a statement following the event, clarifying that its machines were not used in Philadelphia.
“These are not matters of opinion. They are verifiable facts,” Dominion said in its statement.
The 53-year-old presented as distracted at several points, taking time out from answering questions to sign MAGA hats, and at one point bringing a small child on stage to accompany him.
A few people began to leave early when it became clear that not everyone who had lined up to ask a question would have a chance to ask one.
Musk has become a significant supporter of Trump this election cycle.
His America PAC has committed over $70 million to help Trump and other Republican candidates secure power in November. Musk’s get-out-the-vote efforts are part of the Republican National Committee’s broader strategy, focused on engaging Trump supporters who may not typically engage in democracy.
Brushing over his centre-left past, Musk emphasized the stakes of the coming weeks.
“I haven’t been politically active before. I’m politically active now because I think the future of America and the future of civilization is at stake,” Musk said.
The event was livestreamed on X, Musk’s social media platform, purchased for $44 billion two years ago, though technical glitches made it difficult for hundreds of thousands of online viewers to follow completely.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press