Elon Musk Spurs Controversy With Remarks on Election Integrity

FOLSOM, Pa. — Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk stirred controversy on Thursday by promoting unfounded conspiracy theories about election fraud at a campaign event in Pennsylvania aimed at bolstering support for former President Donald Trump. During a town hall held at a high school near Philadelphia, Musk referenced the discredited theory that Dominion Voting Systems participated in manipulating U.S. elections.

Musk, responding to an audience inquiry about election integrity, remarked, “When you have mail-in ballots and no proof of citizenship, it’s almost impossible to prove cheating.” He further cited concerns about Dominion voting machines, stating, “It is weird that, I think, they were used in Philadelphia and in Maricopa County [in Arizona] but not in a lot of other places. Doesn’t that seem like a heck of a coincidence?” Musk also advocated for the exclusive use of paper ballots in U.S. elections.

In response, a spokesperson for Dominion Voting Systems refuted Musk’s assertions. “Fact: Dominion does not serve Philadelphia County. Fact: Dominion’s voting systems are already based on voter verified paper ballots. Fact: Hand counts and audits of such paper ballots have repeatedly proven that Dominion machines produce accurate results,” the spokesperson stated in an email. Dominion has consistently denied allegations of involvement in any election result manipulation, underscored by its successful defamation lawsuit against media outlets making such claims.

Musk’s comments were broadcast by local media and streamed on the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, where Musk has a personal following exceeding 200 million. His support for Trump has been increasingly visible, with Musk contributing significant funds to America PAC, a pro-Trump political action committee he founded this year, and appearing at rallies in Pennsylvania.

Despite multiple studies and investigations finding no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the U.S., Musk has used his platform to promote claims otherwise. His social media presence has been marked by repeated assertions of false claims, including those targeting immigration and voter fraud.

In other remarks at the town hall, Musk touched upon various topics, including government spending, the Second Amendment, and city safety, claiming that urban areas have become more dangerous, a statement at odds with data suggesting crime rates have been declining. Addressing U.S.-Mexico border issues, Musk likened the situation to “World War Z,” a post-apocalyptic zombie film.

Musk faced criticism for engaging with a vocal audience member who shouted about Democratic donor George Soros, to which Musk replied by labeling Soros “evil.” Additionally, Musk propagated an unsubstantiated theory suggesting Vice President Kamala Harris is under external control. Throughout the event, Musk encouraged attendees to mobilize voters in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the state’s pivotal role in the upcoming election.