Elon Musk has officially launched a new political movement, the America Party, just one day after teasing the idea in a viral July 4 poll on X (formerly Twitter). The decision comes amid a heated and very public falling-out with President Donald Trump.
“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 post followed a poll Musk conducted on Independence Day asking followers if he should challenge the U.S. two-party system. More than 65% of the over 1 million respondents voted “yes,” spurring the billionaire’s announcement.
Fallout with Trump Turns Ugly
Musk’s party launch marks a dramatic escalation in his deteriorating relationship with Donald Trump — a former ally turned political rival. The feud intensified after Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill, a massive tax-cut and spending package that Musk has labeled a “disgusting abomination.”
Once close allies, Musk had poured hundreds of millions into Trump’s re-election campaign and led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during his administration. But following the bill’s passage, Musk publicly called for Trump’s impeachment and vowed to unseat lawmakers who supported the legislation.
Trump, in turn, lashed out. Reports suggest he considered stripping federal subsidies from Musk’s companies — including Tesla and SpaceX — and even floated the idea of deporting the South Africa–born billionaire, despite his U.S. citizenship since 2002.
When asked by ABC News whether he might speak to Musk to mend fences, Trump scoffed:
“You mean the man who has lost his mind? Not particularly.”
Online Disputes and Accusations
The rivalry has played out in real time on social media. Last month, Musk deleted a controversial post claiming Trump had been named in the so-called “Epstein files.” The post sparked speculation about personal motivations behind Musk’s political pivot.
The rift has sparked alarm within GOP ranks, especially as Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterms. Party strategists fear Musk’s breakaway movement could splinter the conservative base and endanger their House and Senate majorities.
What’s Next for the America Party?
So far, little is known about the structure or leadership of the newly minted America Party, beyond Musk’s involvement. It remains unclear whether he will field candidates in 2026 or simply use the platform to influence national discourse.
Musk is constitutionally ineligible to run for president due to his foreign birth, but he has made clear he intends to wield political power by other means — including heavy campaign spending and online mobilization.
While critics call the America Party a reactionary move born from ego and rivalry, Musk’s supporters frame it as a populist revolt against entrenched political elites.
“When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system — not a democracy,” Musk wrote Friday. “It’s time to change that.”
