Musk, other pro-Trump billionaires have helped shape shooting narrative

Right-leaning tech and business leaders, led by X owner Elon Musk, used their online influence to criticize diversity initiatives and Democratic donor Reid Hoffman following Saturday’s attack. Musk’s post endorsing Trump received more than 118 million views and 332,000 retweets, surpassing a post from Barack Obama.

Musk formally endorsed Trump after the shooting, as did billionaire Bill Ackman. Musk also criticized the Secret Service's diversity efforts and taunted Hoffman over a spat with Peter Thiel. Hoffman condemned political violence, clarifying his words were taken out of context.

Musk, with 190 million followers, has made it harder to find accurate information on X since his takeover. Users can now pay for blue check marks, blurring the sources of claims.

Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican. Musk's influence and recent posts indicate a significant shift in Silicon Valley’s support towards Trump.