Elon Musk’s Political Gamble May Already Be Crashing and Burning
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has officially launched his own political party—the “America Party”—but early signs suggest the venture may be doomed before it even begins. With support barely registering in national polls and harsh criticism from President Donald Trump, Musk’s bold attempt to reshape American politics is off to a rocky start.
CNN’s lead data analyst Harry Enten didn’t mince words during a Monday segment of News Central, where he openly mocked the party’s early numbers. According to Enten, just 4% of voters say they both support Musk and oppose the Republican Party—hardly the groundswell needed to kickstart a serious third-party movement.
“This entire thing makes very little sense to me,” Enten remarked, comparing Musk’s effort to “selling sand in the desert.” He explained that most Americans who admire Musk already lean Republican, making it difficult for Musk to carve out a distinct, viable voter base.
At the heart of Musk’s new party is a growing feud with the GOP, fueled by his vocal opposition to Trump’s sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill” on government funding. The legislation, championed by Trump and widely embraced by the Republican base, drew Musk’s ire—sparking a public breakdown in their once-cozy relationship.
Musk made his move official last week, registering the America Party with the Federal Election Commission, triggering immediate political fallout. Within hours, Trump fired back with a blistering rebuke, calling the move “ridiculous” and branding Musk as someone who had “gone completely off the rails.”
Speaking from his Bedminster golf club, Trump slammed the concept of third parties altogether. “Third parties have never worked in this country,” he said. “We’ve had tremendous success with the Republican Party. Starting a new one only adds to confusion.”
The President didn’t stop there. In a now-viral post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks. He even wants to start a Third Political Party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States.”
Historically, third-party efforts in America have rarely succeeded, often becoming political footnotes or spoilers in tight races. Ross Perot, Ralph Nader, and more recently Howard Schultz all attempted similar disruptions—with minimal long-term impact.
Despite his massive social media presence and cultural influence, Musk may be running into the same brutal reality: Americans are still deeply entrenched in the two-party system.
As it stands, Musk’s America Party lacks clear policy direction, grassroots infrastructure, and—perhaps most importantly—voter enthusiasm. Without a clear message or coalition, analysts suggest the party risks being seen as a vanity project fueled by personal grudges rather than national vision.
With Trump’s dominance over the Republican base as strong as ever, and with Democrats largely dismissing Musk as a political sideshow, the road ahead looks steep.
Unless Musk can find a compelling reason for voters to abandon the familiar—and fast—the America Party may become little more than a political punchline.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
