'Future of civilization at stake': Musk at his first solo rally for Trump in Philadelphia

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Thursday held his first solo rally in support of Donald Trump and talked about the stakes of the upcoming election, claiming the future of American democracy hangs in the balance. Speaking at an event organised by the America PAC , Musk warned that four more years of a Democratic administration could lead to a permanent one-party state, akin to California.

“I think if there's four more years of sort of the sort of puppet regime, they're actually going to legalise so many illegals in the swing states that there won't be swing states anymore,” he said at a rally in Philadelphia, urging the audience to vote early in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania.

"Anyone who is against those things is fundamentally anti-American," he said, igniting a strong reaction from the audience. Despite Musk's passionate plea for early voting, some attendees expressed confusion, questioning why they should vote early. When one supporter shouted "Why?" Musk did not provide a clear answer.

Among the audience, concerns over election integrity were prevalent. John and Linda Bird, who attended the rally, expressed hesitation about early voting. John planned to vote on Election Day, while Linda noted the unpredictability of events on that day, saying, “Anything can happen.”

Musk’s rally also touched on voter fraud , an issue Trump has frequently highlighted despite a lack of evidence. Musk sarcastically referenced Dominion voting machines, which have been at the centre of conspiracy theories, hinting at their use in key battleground states.

Musk’s newfound political activism is notable, as he stated, “I haven't been politically active before. I'm politically active now because I think the future of America and the future of civilisation is at stake.”

As part of his commitment to support Trump, Musk has pledged over $70 million to the America PAC, which is focused on mobilising Republican voters, particularly those who typically do not vote. Trump’s campaign strategy has shifted towards energising this base rather than courting independents or moderates, indicating a high-stakes election ahead in November.