Amid growing speculation over a third-party movement in U.S. politics, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on Friday announced the formation of a new political organization: the America Party. The announcement came just one day after Musk floated the idea in a viral X (formerly Twitter) poll.
“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party — and you shall have it,” Musk posted. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO made the decision after receiving overwhelming support in a poll he posted on Independence Day, asking followers whether they wanted “independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system.” More than 1.2 million users voted, with a strong majority backing the idea.
Fallout with Trump Sparks Political Break
Musk’s surprise move comes amid an increasingly public and hostile split from former ally and current U.S. President Donald Trump. The two once shared a tight political relationship — Musk even served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump, pushing for deep cuts to federal spending and workforce.
But tensions boiled over this week after Trump signed into law the controversial One Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping tax and spending package that Musk opposed vehemently. In response, Musk vowed to use his vast fortune to fund a new party and unseat lawmakers who supported the bill.
Financial and Political Stakes
Trump, in turn, has retaliated with sharp threats. The president recently suggested he may cut federal subsidies to Musk’s companies — and even hinted at the possibility of deporting the South Africa-born mogul, despite Musk having been a U.S. citizen since 2002.
“We’ll have to take a look,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he would consider deporting Musk.
GOP Concerns Over 2026 Midterms
The feud has left many Republicans uneasy, as they prepare to defend their congressional majority in the 2026 midterms. Musk’s entry into the political arena — and his potential siphoning of conservative-leaning voters — could scramble the electoral map and threaten the party’s grip on power.
Despite speculation, Musk remains ineligible to run for president due to the Constitution’s requirement that candidates be natural-born citizens. Still, he has hinted that he may serve as a political force behind the scenes — bankrolling candidates, influencing messaging, and reshaping the political conversation.
So far, no other leaders have been formally announced in connection with the America Party. However, online speculation has linked libertarian-leaning figures like Rep. Thomas Massie and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang to Musk’s cause — though neither has confirmed any affiliation.
The launch of the America Party marks a significant new chapter in Musk’s political evolution — and a potentially seismic shakeup in U.S. politics as the nation barrels toward 2026 and 2028.
