Elon Musk’s endorsement of President Donald Trump made waves when he announced it last summer, but in a revealing interview with Trump and Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Tuesday night, Musk shared new details about what led to his decision—insights that even Trump himself had not heard before.
Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in addition to running Tesla and SpaceX, told Hannity that he had already planned to endorse Trump before the attempt on the president’s life at a Pennsylvania rally in July. However, the near-assassination acted as a “precipitating event” that accelerated his decision.
“I was going to do it anyway,” Musk said, adding that the rally shooting only sped up the timing of his public announcement. Trump, appearing surprised, acknowledged that he hadn’t previously known this detail.
Musk’s endorsement was more than just another billionaire backing a political candidate. His full-throated support for Trump, combined with his willingness to actively campaign, has been a game-changer in an election where every edge matters. The move rattled Democrats, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who admitted to The New York Times that Musk’s influence should not be underestimated.
“Not even just that he has endorsed [Trump], but the fact that now he’s becoming an active participant and showing up and doing rallies and things like that,” Fetterman said. “He’s incredibly successful, and, you know, I think some people would see him as, like, a Tony Stark.”
Fetterman, known for his blunt political assessments, warned his fellow Democrats against dismissing Musk’s involvement. “Democrats, you know, kind of make light of it, or they make fun of him jumping up and down and things like that. And I would just say that they are doing that at our peril.”
Speaking to CNN, Fetterman took it a step further: “Endorsements, they’re really not meaningful often, but this one is, I think. That has me concerned.”
Musk’s impact goes beyond just an endorsement. He has become an active force in Trump’s re-election bid, using his massive platform—including his ownership of X (formerly Twitter)—to amplify Trump’s message, challenge legacy media narratives, and energize key voting blocs, particularly among young men and entrepreneurs.
His presence on the campaign trail has also added a layer of unpredictability to the race. Unlike traditional political figures, Musk brings an element of cultural influence that few others in business or politics can match. His mix of technological vision, business success, and unfiltered commentary has drawn comparisons to larger-than-life figures like Tony Stark—an analogy that resonates in an era where politics is increasingly shaped by social media and celebrity influence.
