Trump tells Musk to ‘have fun’ launching the America Party

Elon Musk’s New Political Venture and the Tensions with Donald Trump

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has taken a bold step into the political arena by launching a new third-party movement called the “America Party.” This move has sparked a sharp response from former ally and political figurehead, Donald Trump, who dismissed the initiative as “ridiculous” and claimed it would “never work.”

Musk’s decision to form the America Party comes after a series of disagreements with lawmakers over key legislation. The bill, which was signed into law by Trump on the Fourth of July, failed to include federal subsidies for electric vehicles, a point of contention for Musk. Additionally, the legislation contributed to the national debt, which further fueled his frustration.

A History of Support and Conflict

Musk had previously been a strong supporter of Trump, spending nearly $300 million in the 2024 election to back both the president and the Republican Party. Their relationship began with mutual admiration, even leading to an invitation for Musk to stay in the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House. However, their partnership soured during the debate over what Musk referred to as the “big, beautiful bill.”

The disagreement escalated into a public feud on social media, with Musk threatening to start a third-party movement if his concerns were not addressed. Trump, in turn, responded with threats to deport Musk, highlighting the growing tension between the two figures.

Challenges of Starting a Third Party

While Musk’s financial resources could give him significant influence, starting a third party presents numerous challenges. Each state has different requirements for placing a candidate on the ballot, and the current political landscape is heavily skewed in favor of the two major parties. The gerrymandered congressional districts also make it difficult for third-party candidates to gain traction.

Currently, Republicans hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate. In the U.S. Senate, 53 out of 100 seats are held by Republicans, while in the House of Representatives, 220 seats are held by Republicans and 212 by Democrats, with three seats currently vacant. These close margins mean that even a few well-placed victories could shift the balance of power.

Musk’s Vision and Future Plans

Despite the challenges, Musk remains committed to his new venture. On Sunday, he spent time on X (formerly Twitter) gathering feedback from users about the America Party. He indicated that the party would play a role in next year’s contests, signaling his intent to continue pushing for change.

In addition to his focus on the America Party, Musk has also criticized the Republican Party for its actions. He pointed out that despite controlling all branches of government, the party significantly increased the size of the federal government and expanded the national debt by a record five trillion dollars.

The Road Ahead

As Musk moves forward with his political ambitions, the impact of the America Party on future elections remains to be seen. While the path is fraught with obstacles, his financial backing and influence could potentially reshape the political landscape. However, the success of this new endeavor will depend on his ability to navigate the complexities of the American political system and build a broad base of support.

With the upcoming 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, Musk’s involvement could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress. Whether the America Party can emerge as a viable alternative remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the political landscape is about to face a new and formidable player.