Musk Steps In as Surrogate: Tech Titan to Campaign for Trump
Individuals familiar with Musk's plans indicate that his main attention is directed toward Pennsylvania.
TroibNews 
Tech billionaire Elon Musk is intensifying his personal efforts to support Donald Trump's campaign in the weeks leading up to the election, including planned visits to Pennsylvania to rally for the former president.
According to a source familiar with Musk's team who requested anonymity, he intends to make appearances in the critical swing state in the four weeks leading up to November 5. Musk will be supported by America PAC, a pro-Trump super PAC he established, and may also hold additional events in the state independently — similar to his appearance on Sunday evening at the Pittsburgh Steelers game, where he was seen wearing a MAGA hat and received a warm welcome from Steelers owner Art Rooney II and others.
Over the weekend, Musk took significant steps to demonstrate his backing for Trump. He attended a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he delivered a brief speech in which he praised the former president and encouraged attendees to “vote, vote, vote.” Following the rally, Musk joined Trump backstage for a tele-town hall event.
In addition, Musk changed his profile picture on X to show him wearing a black MAGA hat and updated his bio to include a link to America PAC. He also promoted various posts from the PAC, which is focusing on pro-Trump voter turnout efforts with financial contributions from Musk and his associates.
On Sunday afternoon, Musk launched a new initiative offering $47 to individuals who register voters in seven key swing states, which include Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Musk has previously implemented reward programs, such as a referral initiative for Tesla, his electric car company, where both buyers and referrers can earn credits for Tesla products.
Those close to Musk indicate that Pennsylvania is his primary focus, a state both political parties view as crucial in determining the election outcome. Musk has ties to the state through his time at the University of Pennsylvania and is also a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was seen in a box during the 2023 Super Bowl, watching the Eagles play against the Kansas City Chiefs alongside media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
A representative for Musk declined to comment on his upcoming campaign plans.
Musk has a history of promoting unfounded and controversial claims on social media, including a conspiracy theory regarding child trafficking rings involving Democrats. He faced backlash for making what were deemed “anti-Semitic” remarks about billionaire philanthropist George Soros, with David Saranga, an official with Israel's Minister of Defense, publicly calling Musk out. Recently, Musk accused the Federal Aviation Administration of obstructing private relief flights for Hurricane Helene recovery.
The relationship between Trump and Musk has been complex. In 2022, Musk suggested that Trump should “sail into the sunset” rather than seek the presidency again, while Trump labeled Musk a “bullshit artist.” Last year, Musk allied with Trump's primary opponent, Ron DeSantis, during a problematic campaign launch on the X platform. However, their relationship appears to have strengthened this year.
Following the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump, Musk officially endorsed him, and in August, hosted a live-streamed event with Trump on X. Trump mentioned the possibility of offering Musk a position in a future administration, referring to him as “brilliant.” Musk responded with his willingness to serve.
The exact amount Musk has contributed to America PAC is not publicly available but will be revealed on October 15, when the PAC discloses its spending and contribution records. Despite the lack of specific figures, sources familiar with the group expect Musk to provide substantial financial resources, as he has been deeply involved in its operations.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
According to a source familiar with Musk's team who requested anonymity, he intends to make appearances in the critical swing state in the four weeks leading up to November 5. Musk will be supported by America PAC, a pro-Trump super PAC he established, and may also hold additional events in the state independently — similar to his appearance on Sunday evening at the Pittsburgh Steelers game, where he was seen wearing a MAGA hat and received a warm welcome from Steelers owner Art Rooney II and others.
Over the weekend, Musk took significant steps to demonstrate his backing for Trump. He attended a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he delivered a brief speech in which he praised the former president and encouraged attendees to “vote, vote, vote.” Following the rally, Musk joined Trump backstage for a tele-town hall event.
In addition, Musk changed his profile picture on X to show him wearing a black MAGA hat and updated his bio to include a link to America PAC. He also promoted various posts from the PAC, which is focusing on pro-Trump voter turnout efforts with financial contributions from Musk and his associates.
On Sunday afternoon, Musk launched a new initiative offering $47 to individuals who register voters in seven key swing states, which include Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Musk has previously implemented reward programs, such as a referral initiative for Tesla, his electric car company, where both buyers and referrers can earn credits for Tesla products.
Those close to Musk indicate that Pennsylvania is his primary focus, a state both political parties view as crucial in determining the election outcome. Musk has ties to the state through his time at the University of Pennsylvania and is also a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was seen in a box during the 2023 Super Bowl, watching the Eagles play against the Kansas City Chiefs alongside media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
A representative for Musk declined to comment on his upcoming campaign plans.
Musk has a history of promoting unfounded and controversial claims on social media, including a conspiracy theory regarding child trafficking rings involving Democrats. He faced backlash for making what were deemed “anti-Semitic” remarks about billionaire philanthropist George Soros, with David Saranga, an official with Israel's Minister of Defense, publicly calling Musk out. Recently, Musk accused the Federal Aviation Administration of obstructing private relief flights for Hurricane Helene recovery.
The relationship between Trump and Musk has been complex. In 2022, Musk suggested that Trump should “sail into the sunset” rather than seek the presidency again, while Trump labeled Musk a “bullshit artist.” Last year, Musk allied with Trump's primary opponent, Ron DeSantis, during a problematic campaign launch on the X platform. However, their relationship appears to have strengthened this year.
Following the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump, Musk officially endorsed him, and in August, hosted a live-streamed event with Trump on X. Trump mentioned the possibility of offering Musk a position in a future administration, referring to him as “brilliant.” Musk responded with his willingness to serve.
The exact amount Musk has contributed to America PAC is not publicly available but will be revealed on October 15, when the PAC discloses its spending and contribution records. Despite the lack of specific figures, sources familiar with the group expect Musk to provide substantial financial resources, as he has been deeply involved in its operations.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
