Elon Musk Launches New Political Party

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk announced Saturday that he is forming a third political party, escalating his feud with President Donald Trump just one day after the president signed a massive domestic policy bill into law.

Posting on his social media platform, X, Musk declared:

“When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

Musk had previously warned he would take drastic steps if Trump’s controversial spending bill—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—was passed. The bill, which Musk says will add trillions to the national debt, was signed by Trump on Friday, reigniting tensions between the two men.

From Trusted Ally to Political Rival

Until recently, Musk was one of Trump’s most prominent allies—serving as a key adviser on economic efficiency and even becoming the largest individual donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign. But their relationship soured last month after Musk criticized the bill, calling it a path to “debt slavery.”

Though Musk initially deleted several heated posts and appeared to backtrack, the feud quickly returned to the spotlight as the legislation neared final approval.

Trump Responds: “It’s Ridiculous”

President Trump didn’t hold back in his response. Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in New Jersey on Sunday, he dismissed Musk’s announcement as a “confusing” and pointless move.

“I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” Trump said. “We’ve had great success with the Republican Party. Starting another party only adds to confusion. Third parties have never worked.”

Later that evening on Truth Social, Trump went even further:

“I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks.”

What Is the 'America Party'?

While Musk’s exact platform remains vague, he described the America Party as fiscally conservative, aimed at cutting government waste and limiting federal spending. Musk has yet to outline specific social or economic policies, though he has frequently aligned with conservative views on social issues.

As of now, it is unclear whether Musk has officially filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to legally establish the party. The latest FEC filings show no record of registration.

Musk said this week that the party will initially target a handful of House and Senate races in next year’s midterm elections, aiming to build grassroots momentum before considering a presidential bid.

Trump Fires Back Again — And Threatens Contracts

In an intensifying war of words, Trump suggested the federal government could reassess its contracts with Musk’s companies, such as SpaceX and Tesla. He also took aim at the Department of Government Efficiency, a now-defunct initiative Musk once led, calling it a “monster” that might soon “go back and eat Elon.”

The Challenge of Building a Third Party

Political analysts say forming a third party is no small feat in the U.S., where two-party dominance has prevailed for over 150 years. While some Americans express frustration with both Democrats and Republicans, few third-party efforts have made a real impact.

The most notable recent example was Ross Perot’s 1992 campaign, which won nearly 19% of the popular vote—but failed to carry a single state.

Experts cite legal hurdles, financial constraints, and voter hesitation as key reasons most third-party efforts fizzle out before gaining national traction.

What’s Next?

Musk’s political ambitions signal a new chapter in his public persona—shifting from business mogul to potential political disruptor. Whether the America Party will gain momentum or fizzle like many before it remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: the growing rift between Musk and Trump could have wider implications, not just for politics—but also for Tesla, SpaceX, and the future of U.S. tech and energy policy.