The rally took place at the same location where an assassination attempt on Trump’s life occurred three months earlier. Trump paused his speech for several minutes to address a medical emergency in the crowd. The event also featured Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance, who faced backlash for what some saw as an insensitive comment regarding the man who died during that assassination attempt.
When Musk, the owner of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, took the stage, he issued a dire warning, predicting that if Trump does not win the upcoming presidential election, “it will be our last election.” Despite the gravity of his statement, much of the online conversation centered on Musk’s performance as a speaker.
Criticism poured in from users on Musk’s own social media platform. Former Trump campaign aide A.J. Delgado wrote, “I don’t give a s— about this rally but just saw this on my feed and had to remark (a) what a horrible public speaker Elon is… my goodness — I’m cringing; (b) Elon, never wear a baseball cap again. They do not work on you.” She added, “This is all super low energy.”
I don’t give a shit about this rally but just saw this on my feed and had to remark (a) what a horrible public speaker Elon is…. my goodness — I’m cringing; (b) Elon, never wear a baseball cap again. They do not work on you.
This is all super low energy. https://t.co/uREjnvHHTm — A.J. Delgado (@AJDelgado13) October 5, 2024
Freelance writer Jason Elias also weighed in, commenting, “Elon Musk fumbled the ball. Wore a little baseball cap and looked like an ingratiating exchange student with his broken accent. ‘I’M American too!!'”
Journalist Jason Smith joined the critique, stating, “I didn’t think there was a single person on earth more socially awkward than Donald Trump.” He added sarcastically, “Ladies and gentlemen, Elon Musk.”
Former prosecutor Ron Filipkowski was similarly unimpressed, calling it “the cringiest s— I’ve ever seen in politics.” The Lincoln Project co-founder Reed Galen also chimed in with a snarky response, saying, “Oh, Lordy there’s a tape,” suggesting that Musk’s performance was a moment best left unseen.
While Musk’s presence was likely intended to energize the crowd and highlight his support for Trump, the response online suggests that his appearance may have backfired, with critics focusing on his perceived awkwardness and lack of charisma as a public speaker.
Elon Musk fumbled the ball. Wore a little baseball cap and looked like an ingratiating exchange student with his broken accent. “i’M American too!!” 😆😆😆😆😆
— Jason Elias (@Zebop) October 5, 2024