Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has officially announced the formation of a new political party in the United States. It is called the America Party. This move comes amid a growing public dispute with President Donald Trump, particularly over a recently signed federal budget bill.
Musk shared the news on X, the social media platform he owns. He said the America Party’s goal is to “give Americans back their freedom” and challenge what he calls the country’s entrenched “one-party system.” In Musk’s view, this term describes the longstanding dominance of the Republican and Democratic parties. He suggests these parties have merged interests and act more like a single entity in Washington.
The announcement followed a poll Musk posted on Independence Day. There, he asked his followers whether they wanted independence from the two-party system. More than 1.2 million people responded. Notably, two-thirds supported the creation of a new political force.
Focused strategy on key congressional seats
Musk proposed a focused strategy for the America Party’s initial efforts. Specifically, he plans to concentrate on “2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts.” He believes that by targeting a small number of pivotal races, the party could hold the “deciding vote on contentious laws.”
Consequently, this would give them real influence over legislation. Musk compared this tactic to a military strategy used by Epaminondas at the Battle of Leuctra.
Fiscal conservatism and criticism of Federal spending
So far, the America Party has not formally registered with the Federal Election Commission. Registration is required when fundraising or spending crosses certain thresholds. While Musk has not yet shared the party’s full platform, he has emphasized fiscal conservatism and reducing government waste.
Furthermore, he has criticized the recent budget bill signed by Trump. Musk calls it reckless because it increases the national debt by trillions of dollars.
Challenges and prospects for the America Party in US politics
Musk’s break with Trump intensified over the federal budget legislation. Musk dubbed the bill the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” He criticized it for greatly increasing the national debt. Moreover, Musk argued it would bankrupt the country. This disagreement ended their alliance. Subsequently, Musk vowed to oppose lawmakers who supported the bill. He also threatened to back primary challengers in upcoming elections.
The new party’s success depends largely on gaining support from both major parties. Analysts warn that if it only takes votes from Republicans, it could inadvertently help Democrats form a majority. In that case, the America Party and Republicans would be relegated to the opposition.
Musk’s announcement marks a major shift. Previously, he was the largest individual donor to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, giving over $270 million. He also led the Department of Government Efficiency during Trump’s second term. However, their relationship soured due to disagreements on spending and the budget bill. This led to public criticism and social media fights.
In response, Trump has threatened to cut government subsidies to Musk’s companies. He even suggested deportation, despite Musk being a US citizen since 2002. This feud has drawn attention to Musk’s political ambitions. Additionally, it highlights the potential impact of a third party in the US’s two-party system.
Looking ahead: The 2026 midterms and beyond
The America Party plans to be active in the 2026 midterm elections. It will focus on key congressional districts where its support could be decisive. While the two-party system has long dominated US politics, Musk’s resources and strategy may challenge it. Nonetheless, the party’s success remains uncertain.
