In a surprising revelation during a Fox News interview on The Sean Hannity Show, Elon Musk disclosed that the assassination attempt on Trump played a pivotal role in his decision to endorse the Republican leader. The interview, which aired Tuesday, February 18, 2025, saw Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), identify the Butler assassination attempt as “the precipitating event”6.

On July 13, 2024, Trump, then a candidate vying for another term in the White House, was targeted in an alleged assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A 20-year-old man, identified by the FBI as Thomas Mathew Crook, fired eight rounds from an AR-15-style rifle from the roof of a nearby building.

While Trump sustained only a minor injury—his right ear was grazed by a bullet or fragment – one audience member, Corey Comperatore, was killed, and two others were critically injured in the shooting. As Sean Hannity noted, Trump “came within a millimeter of being assassinated.”. The event produced a striking image of Trump, bloodied but unbowed, pumping his fist and shouting “fight, fight, fight”.

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Musk’s reaction and endorsement

Musk stated that while he had been planning to endorse Trump, the assassination attempt “speeded it up a little bit.” Trump, seemingly pleased by the revelation, simply responded, “Nice. I didn’t know that”.

Musk elaborated on his reasoning, stating, “Well, I mean this is how you know someone’s true character because everyone can say they’re brave, but the president was actually shot. Okay? Courage under fire. ‘Fight, fight, fight,’ blood streaming down the face. That’s true courage. You can’t fake that.”

Musk’s growing political involvement

In recent months, Musk has increased his support for Trump and taken a more active role in politics. He even offered to head a government efficiency committee should Trump secure reelection. Furthermore, he established a super PAC supporting the Republican nominee. Following the July incident, Musk pledged his support for Trump’s campaign for reelection, stating, “I wholeheartedly endorse President Trump and wish him a swift recovery.”

This endorsement marks a significant turning point for Musk, who has increasingly aligned himself with conservative viewpoints. Musk’s modifications to X, formerly Twitter, have been praised by conservative circles, and reports suggest discussions about a potential advisory role for Musk in a prospective Trump administration.