Elon Musk launches 'America Party' after dramatic Trump split

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Elon Musk announces ‘America Party’ after fallout with Trump

Elon Musk has formally declared the launch of his own political party — the ‘America Party’ — following a dramatic split from former ally President Donald Trump.

The billionaire entrepreneur and longtime political donor made the announcement Saturday on his social media platform X, just a day after Trump signed a sweeping tax-and-spending bill into law — a package Musk has publicly and repeatedly condemned. The bill, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump, triggered a rupture between the two once-aligned powerhouses.

“For too long, America has lived under the illusion of choice — when in fact, it’s a one-party system bankrupting the country through waste and corruption,” Musk wrote. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

The post came after Musk conducted a viral poll on X asking his followers whether he should start a third party. With a 2-to-1 majority in favor, Musk quickly followed through on his vow — although he has yet to reveal any concrete infrastructure, candidates, or legal plans to make the new party a reality.

From Ally to Adversary

Just months ago, Musk was a key figure in Trump’s inner circle, visiting the Oval Office and pouring millions into his campaign efforts. But tensions exploded over the content and passage of Trump’s megabill, which includes trillions in tax cuts, deep reductions to Medicaid and green energy incentives, and historic defense and immigration spending increases.

Musk, who had previously pledged to reduce his involvement in politics, reversed course after the bill passed. He sharply criticized the legislation as fiscally reckless and accused both major parties of enabling a system of “graft and self-interest.”

Disrupting the System

While the “America Party” currently exists in name only, Musk is already mapping out a strategy to exert influence. He suggested that targeting a few key swing districts could give his party enough power to sway legislative outcomes.

“Given the razor-thin margins in Congress, a small number of seats could become the balance of power,” Musk argued. “We’ll make sure laws reflect the will of the people, not career politicians.”

He has already pledged financial backing for candidates who align with his vision, starting with Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has faced criticism from Trump loyalists for opposing portions of the president’s bill.

A Long Road Ahead

Despite his vast resources and public following, Musk faces a steep climb to build a legitimate third party. Election laws vary widely across states, and ballot access requirements are notoriously complex. Legal hurdles, signature thresholds, and registration deadlines make third-party challenges difficult — even with millions in personal funding.

So far, Musk has not laid out a detailed framework or leadership team for the America Party. His announcement has sparked speculation across political circles but also skepticism from experts who note that third parties in the U.S. rarely survive beyond one election cycle.

Still, Musk appears undeterred. His move signals a deeper political ambition — not just to disrupt the two-party system but to redefine it.

“Change doesn’t come from within the machine,” he posted. “It comes from those who build a better one.”

His announcement caps off a politically charged week that saw Trump celebrate his own legislative win and critics warn of its long-term impact. While Trump now turns to implementing his landmark bill, Musk appears ready to challenge him — not from the left or the right, but from the outside.