BUTLER, Pennsylvania — Tech billionaire Elon Musk joined former US President Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday, declaring that the upcoming presidential election could be America's last if Trump does not win.

Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and the owner of X (formerly Twitter), appeared at the event for the first time, deepening his alliance with the Republican presidential nominee in the final stretch of a highly competitive election.

“This will be the last election if Donald Trump doesn’t win,” Musk warned, donning a black-on-black “Make America Great Again” cap. Acknowledging the gravity of his remarks, he added, “As you can see, I am not just MAGA — I am Dark MAGA.”

The appearance marked Musk’s most public endorsement of Trump, following their earlier collaboration in August when Trump joined Musk on X for a rare two-hour conversation. During that chat, Trump largely focused on the assassination attempt he survived in July, illegal immigration, and his plans to cut government regulations if re-elected.

Musk has actively supported Trump’s campaign, creating a super PAC that has spent heavily on get-out-the-vote efforts. Trump has promised to appoint Musk to lead a government efficiency commission if he returns to the White House.

Speaking to a massive crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was wounded during the assassination attempt, Musk portrayed the former president as a defender of free speech.

He accused Democrats of attempting to restrict fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and voting rights. Musk also criticized efforts in California to ban voter ID requirements, claiming they undermine the electoral process.

The rally took place on the same property where, in July, Trump was grazed by a bullet in an assassination attempt that claimed the life of his supporter, Corey Comperatore, and left several others injured. Trump honored Comperatore’s memory during the event, calling him a “brave guy” and holding a minute of silence for him. — Agencies