Internet Viciously Memes Elon Musk’s Jumpy Trump Rally Appearance
In a highly publicized event, billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk made a bold appearance at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and the owner of X (formerly Twitter), joined the former president on stage, delivering a controversial speech that sparked significant reactions on social media. Donning a black “Make America Great Again” cap, Musk declared that he is “not just MAGA — I am Dark MAGA,” solidifying his endorsement of Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.
Elon Musk says: "I'm not just MAGA, I'm Dark MAGA".
— Voice of Bharat (@voicebharat9) October 6, 2024
He was wearing the black "Never Surrender" MAGA hat with J.D. Vance.#Trump #MAGA #PresidentialElection2024 #ElonMusk #JDVance2024 pic.twitter.com/IrRxQGuspJ
Musk’s support for Trump, particularly in a state like Pennsylvania, which has been pivotal in past elections, could have implications for the race between Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris. During his speech, Musk warned that “this will be the last election” if Trump doesn’t win, adding a dire tone to the upcoming vote.
Mockery and Criticism on Social Media
Elon Musk joined Donald Trump on stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the site of the assassination attempt that killed firefighter Corey Comperatore and injured Trump and others. But this was not a solemn occasion.
As Musk took the stage in an all-black MAGA cap and an “Occupy Mars” t-shirt, he bounced up and down, launching countless memes as the internet mocked him—often on X (formerly Twitter), the social media site Musk purchased for $44 billion in 2022. Recently, Musk revealed that the company’s valuation has plummeted to $19 billion, a staggering $25 billion decline.
Who did this? 😂🤣😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/83S7VuxE9H
— Majestic (@MajesticResists) October 6, 2024
I’m sorry, this is the funniest single photo of the entire election cycle. pic.twitter.com/w6PuJlPPmW
— Sonny Bunch (@SonnyBunch) October 6, 2024
Elon Musk providing Donald Trump the rare opportunity of not being the most ridiculous, embarrassing person in a picture. pic.twitter.com/CjfBJkkjJH
— Ryan Love (@RyanJL) October 6, 2024
Critiques of Musk’s jumping technique highlighted how awkward he looked, and many noted Trump’s visible discomfort when Musk joined him on stage. According to Rolling Stone, Trump reportedly finds Musk “weird,” “boring,” and annoying, with frequent mood swings. Back in 2022, Trump famously referred to Musk as “another bullshit artist,” adding to the curious dynamic between the two men.
no reason but does anyone remember this pic.twitter.com/c2FP0mYrH1
— katie (@focusfronting) October 6, 2024
Republican Figures Rally Behind Musk
Despite the online mockery, some Republican figures praised Musk’s involvement with Trump’s campaign. With over 200 million followers on X, Musk’s endorsement could wield significant influence over the election’s outcome. Republican strategists pointed to Musk’s support as a boost to Trump’s efforts to engage voters, especially those in swing states like Pennsylvania.
Musk’s speech positioned Trump as a defender of free speech and individual rights, with Musk criticizing the Democratic Party’s policies. “They want to take away your freedom of speech, they want to take away your right to bear arms, they want to take away your right to vote, effectively,” Musk said, pointing to recent debates over voter ID laws and free speech restrictions.
The Butler Rally’s Dark History
The rally in Butler was not just any campaign stop; it took place at a site where Trump survived an assassination attempt in July. During that event, bullets grazed Trump’s right ear, killing one of his supporters, Corey Comperatore, and injuring several others. Saturday’s rally brought members of Comperatore’s family, first responders, and other July rally attendees back to the site.
The rally also saw appearances from key Republican figures, including Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s son Eric Trump, and daughter-in-law Lara Trump, along with Pennsylvania lawmakers and local sheriffs. Their presence, combined with Musk’s endorsement, underscored the importance of Pennsylvania in the final stretch of the campaign.
Musk’s Role in Trump’s Future Administration?
Trump has hinted that Musk could play a significant role in his administration if he is re-elected. Specifically, the former president suggested Musk might lead a government efficiency commission, a move that could further intertwine the tech executive with the political landscape.
Musk has already made substantial financial contributions to Trump’s campaign, creating a super political action committee (PAC) that is focused on get-out-the-vote efforts. His influence could sway undecided voters, particularly those who follow his business ventures or align with his advocacy for free speech on platforms like X.
As the 2024 election draws closer, the partnership between Musk and Trump is likely to remain a topic of intense scrutiny, both for its potential impact on the race and the mockery it has inspired online.
, the social media site Musk purchased for $44 billion in 2022. Recently, Musk revealed that the company's valuation has plummeted to $19 billion, a staggering $25 billion decline.){kind=link}