Musk Forming New Political Party After Split with Trump

Elon Musk has officially established the “America Party,” marking a significant shift in the U.S. political landscape. This move follows a public fallout with President Donald Trump over the recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a comprehensive tax and spending package projected to add trillions to the national deficit. Musk, previously a major donor and advisor to Trump, criticized the bill as fiscally irresponsible, prompting his departure from the administration and the formation of a new political entity.

Formation and Objectives of the America Party

Announced on July 5, 2025, the America Party aims to represent the “80 percent in the middle,” focusing on fiscal conservatism, deregulation, and innovation. Musk envisions the party as a centrist alternative to the current two-party system, which he describes as a “uniparty” dominated by waste and corruption. The party’s strategy involves targeting a select number of competitive congressional districts—specifically, two to three Senate seats and eight to ten House districts—to serve as a decisive force in legislative matters.

Challenges and Strategic Considerations

Establishing a new political party in the United States presents significant challenges, including navigating complex state ballot access laws and building a nationwide political infrastructure. Despite Musk’s substantial financial resources and public profile, political analysts express skepticism about the party’s potential for long-term success. Historical precedents, such as the campaigns of Ross Perot and Theodore Roosevelt’s Progressive Party, highlight the difficulties third parties face in achieving lasting influence.

Public Response and Political Implications

Initial public response to the America Party has been mixed. A poll conducted on Musk’s social media platform, X, indicated that approximately 65% of 1.25 million respondents supported the idea of a new political party. However, broader national surveys suggest that while there is interest in alternatives to the two major parties, translating this into electoral success remains uncertain.

The formation of the America Party has also intensified tensions within the Republican Party. Musk has pledged to support primary challengers against Republican incumbents who backed the controversial spending bill, potentially disrupting the party’s efforts to maintain its congressional majority in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. President Trump has responded by threatening to reevaluate federal contracts with Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, further escalating the conflict.