Elon Musk Announces New Political Party After Break With Trump
Elon Musk launched the “America Party” after splitting with Trump over spending, vowing to fight government waste and shake up the U.S. two-party system.
Billionaire Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he is launching a new political party, following a dramatic split with Donald Trump over a major domestic policy bill that Musk says will saddle the country with massive debt.
On his social media platform X, Musk declared the creation of the “America Party,” saying, “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.” He framed the new party as a way to restore Americans’ freedom and challenge what he described as rampant government waste.
Until recently, Musk was Trump’s largest individual donor for the 2024 campaign and served as a close adviser. He even led the administration’s drive to cut wasteful spending. But the relationship soured after Musk attacked Trump’s signature domestic bill, which independent analyses suggested would add trillions to the national deficit. Although Musk briefly tried to ease tensions by deleting his harshest posts, the feud reignited in recent days as the bill advanced through Congress. Trump signed it into law on Friday.
Trump dismissed Musk’s move, calling it misguided. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey before boarding Air Force One on Sunday, he said: “I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party. We’ve had tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats are lost, but it’s a two-party system. A third party just causes confusion.”
He added: “Third parties have never worked, so he can have fun with it—but I think it’s ridiculous.”
It remains unclear whether Musk has taken any legal steps to formally establish the America Party. So far, there is no record with the Federal Election Commission, which would be required for an official party registration.
Musk says he wants the party to promote fiscal conservatism and responsible spending but has shared few details about its broader platform. Despite often agreeing with Republicans on social issues, Musk has slammed the GOP agenda as reckless borrowing that will deepen what he calls “debt slavery.”
Elon Musk and President Trump shaking hands in the Oval Office
Though dissatisfaction with America’s two-party system is widespread among both Democrats and Republicans, efforts to create viable third parties have historically struggled. Billionaire Ross Perot famously ran as an independent in 1992, winning nearly 20% of the popular vote but failing to carry a single state as Bill Clinton won the presidency.
Experts note that building a new political party in the U.S. is both legally and financially challenging. Many voters are reluctant to abandon the two major parties, and candidates often hesitate to run outside them.
Despite the long odds, Musk has said on social media that his party plans to become politically active in time for next year’s midterm elections. He indicated the initial strategy would be to back a small number of candidates for House and Senate seats.
Meanwhile, Trump has threatened to review the government’s significant contracts with Musk’s companies. He also took aim at the Department of Government Efficiency, an agency Musk once led, describing it as a “monster that may go back and eat Elon.”