Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he has officially formed a new political party called the America Party, claiming it will give voters back their freedom and offer a powerful alternative to the current two-party system.
He made the declaration on X after polling more than 1.2 million followers, of whom 65% said they supported a new party.
“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party — and you shall have it,” Musk wrote. “We live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
The announcement follows weeks of mounting tension between Musk and President Donald Trump, particularly after Trump signed the controversial One Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping $3.9 trillion tax and spending measure Musk has repeatedly blasted as reckless and “political suicide.”
According to Musk, the tipping point was Congress’s passage of the bill, which includes $150 billion for immigration enforcement and border wall expansion. Musk described the measure as a betrayal of future-focused industries in favor of bloated legacy programs.
Platform and Goals
Early documents associated with the America Party describe it as focused on fiscal restraint, deregulation, and high-skilled immigration. The party also emphasizes national competitiveness, energy independence, and modernization of government.
While Musk has not named any candidates, insiders say he’s eyeing key House and Senate seats in battleground districts where razor-thin margins could make the America Party a serious spoiler.
Challenges Ahead
Launching a viable third party in the United States is notoriously difficult. Ballot access requirements vary by state and often demand massive legal, organizational, and financial resources. However, Musk’s political operation has already shown fundraising strength. His associated super PAC, America PAC, raised more than $118 million in 2024.
Still, political analysts remain skeptical. Some note that even well-funded third parties often serve as protest vehicles that collapse after one cycle. Others suggest Musk may not need a full 50-state rollout to be effective — a handful of targeted wins could shake up control of Congress.
Trump’s Reaction
President Trump did not take the news lightly. On Thursday, he hinted that Musk could face federal scrutiny over his subsidies and government contracts, even joking about revoking Musk’s U.S. citizenship — despite the SpaceX founder having been naturalized in 2002.
“Elon may get more subsidies than any human being in history,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Maybe it’s time DOGE took a look at this gravy train.”
The feud has escalated in recent weeks, with Musk calling the Republican-led budget “a national embarrassment” and warning lawmakers that voters would hold them accountable.
What’s Next
Musk’s new party has already captured public attention. But translating that attention into votes, infrastructure, and legitimacy is a tall order — one that has defeated dozens of wealthy reformers before him.
Still, with his massive social reach, a loyal base of online supporters, and nearly unlimited capital, Musk has the tools to make trouble for both parties. Whether the America Party becomes a real political force or a disruptive one-election protest remains to be seen.
More announcements are expected later this month as Musk begins assembling a candidate slate and state-by-state ballot strategy.
