Elon Musk Announces America Party, Trump Calls It Train Wreck

Former US President Donald Trump has criticized Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, for announcing the formation of a new political party aimed at challenging the existing two-party system. Trump expressed his disappointment with Musk’s recent actions, describing them as a "train wreck" over the past five weeks. Musk’s new party, named the "America Party," was announced on his X platform, following the passage of a significant tax and spending bill by Congress.

Trump’s criticism comes as Musk’s new party poses a potential threat to the Republican vote, especially as Musk has indicated his intention to target key seats leading up to the midterm elections next year. This move could potentially unseat some Republican incumbents. Historically, third parties have had limited success in US presidential elections, with the last third-party victory occurring in 1856 when the Republican Party emerged as a major force.

Musk’s announcement has sparked concerns among Trump’s supporters, who fear that the new party could fracture the Republican vote and jeopardize the party’s thin majority in Congress. The US election system, which operates on a first-past-the-post basis, means that the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not secure a majority. This system has traditionally favored the two major parties, making it challenging for third parties to gain traction.

Musk’s decision to form the America Party is part of a broader feud with Trump, which began in late May. The dispute centers around the spending provisions in the Republican-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Musk has criticized for adding $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Musk has vowed to unseat lawmakers who support the bill, claiming it undermines efforts to cut government spending.

Musk has outlined a strategy for his new party, focusing on winning a few key House and Senate seats. He believes that controlling these seats could be enough to block both Republican and Democratic agendas, ensuring that legislation reflects the true will of the people. This approach highlights Musk’s ambition to influence the political landscape despite the historical challenges faced by third parties.

Musk’s new party has already faced scrutiny, with multiple filings referencing the America Party, DOGE, or X submitted to the Federal Election Commission. Musk has confirmed that at least one of these filings is fake, raising questions about the legitimacy of others. Despite these challenges, Musk’s financial resources and influence could potentially impact the midterm elections, making his new party a significant factor to watch in the coming months.