Elon Musk plunging into politics soon?

Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul known for SpaceX, Tesla, and now his ownership of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), is increasingly stepping into the political spotlight. While he isn’t legally eligible to run for president as a South African-born citizen, the capitalist’s involvement in American politics is growing, leaving many to wonder if he sees himself as more than just a businessman. His recent town hall event in suburban Philadelphia was a surreal blend of political campaign theatrics, fandom, and tech promotion, blurring the lines between political advocacy and entertainment.

The event, held at Ridley High School, mirrored a campaign rally in many ways. A large American flag adorned the stage, military-grade security was in place, and a country and rock playlist reminiscent of Republican primary events filled the air. The big shot made his entrance to *Brooks & Dunn’s* “Only in America,” a song frequently associated with Donald Trump’s rallies. Wearing a mustard-yellow MAGA hat, The magnate began by acknowledging his newfound interest in politics, telling the audience, “I’m politically active now because I think the future of America, the future of civilisation is at stake.”

What Musk is working on as of now

The main objective of the world's richest man was to urge Pennsylvanians to “go hog wild” on voter registration ahead of the state’s Monday deadline. Yet, as the event unfolded, much of the focus drifted toward Musk himself rather than the electoral message. The crowd of nearly 700 attendees treated him not only as a political figure but as a celebrity, showering him with praise, laughter, and admiration. Some attendees came for the spectacle, while others saw the event as an opportunity to connect with the billionaire. A woman named Lisa Koenig even brought her son’s résumé in the hopes of handing it to the showman-tycoon personally.

The town hall attracted a diverse audience, including people wearing SpaceX and “Occupy Mars” T-shirts, as well as readers carrying copies of *Elon Musk*, the recent biography by Walter Isaacson. Many attendees weren’t necessarily there for Trump but came instead to see the baron in person. As one nonprofit employee and Tesla shareholder, Jen Colleluori, put it, “I love them both.” Musk’s popularity among young men also played a role in drawing the crowd, with many fans inspired by his ventures in technology and space exploration.

Rough at the edges

While Musk tried to energise voters, the event often drifted off-topic. He spoke on a wide range of subjects, including artificial intelligence, the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Food and Drug Administration, and even the aftershocks of World War II. His tangents made it easy to forget that the event was intended to promote Trump’s campaign. Polling shows that the South African-turned-American enjoys widespread popularity, especially among young men, and he seems to believe that his influence can help Donald Trump return to the White House. The SpaceX head even referred to Pennsylvania as the “lynchpin” for Trump’s electoral hopes.

Despite his growing political activism, the X honcho lacked the polish of seasoned campaigners like Vivek Ramaswamy or Donald Trump Jr. His speech was awkward at times, but that seemed to resonate with the crowd, who viewed his unfiltered style as part of his charm. However, some moments highlighted the challenges of navigating a politically charged crowd. During the event, a local activist named Greg Stenstrom pressed the fat cat to take a copy of his book detailing alleged election fraud. The pro-Republican businessman initially appeared curious but quickly recognised the potential fallout and defused the situation, telling the activist, “Let’s not get contentious,” as the crowd jeered.

The town hall wasn’t just about politics — it also had elements of performance and fan service. Musk signed a child’s Phillies baseball cap, posed with a personalised football jersey, and invited the child onstage for a photo. These moments exemplified the blend of celebrity and political engagement that the Tesla owner seems to cultivate. For some attendees, the event felt more like a comedy show or a tech convention than a political rally. 

Bigger picture

Musk’s political foray raises broader questions about the role of business leaders in electoral politics. Across the world, businessmen close to ruling parties often leverage their influence for favourable policies or lucrative contracts. The trillionaire’s involvement in Trump’s campaign, including his financial contributions through his pro-Trump organisation, America PAC, is a stark example of this dynamic. With several more town halls planned in Pennsylvania, the mogul’s political presence is only likely to grow in the coming weeks.

The line between politics and spectacle has never been thinner, and the deep pocket seems to enjoy operating in this grey area. While he cannot officially run for office, his willingness to shape public opinion, encourage voter turnout, and promote specific political candidates indicates that he is far more than a passive observer. His engagement suggests a shift in how billionaires interact with politics — not just through donations, but by becoming public advocates and influencers in their own right.

In many ways, Musk’s town hall encapsulated the contradictions that define his public persona: a tech visionary who thrives on public attention, an awkward speaker with a massive following, and a businessman unafraid to wade into political waters. Whether his influence will translate into electoral success for Trump remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Musk’s presence in the political arena is far from over.