Elon Musk vows to start a new political party after Trump feud. Here’s why that’s harder than it sounds.
In an escalating dispute between President Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has reignited discussions about forming a new political party. This comes amidst tensions related to Trump’s tax reform and comprehensive domestic legislation, signaling what appears to be a fracture in their previously allied political relationship.
Musk initially suggested the formation of a third party, tentatively named the “America Party,” earlier this month as the political confrontation intensified. Following polling from his followers on social media platform X, Musk declared, “By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
A Timeline of Events
The discussion about a third political party was raised as lawmakers rushed to deliver the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to Trump. Musk made it clear that should the bill pass, he would promptly establish the new party. “If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,” he proclaimed on X.
The bill subsequently surpassed legislative hurdles, passing in the Senate on Tuesday and the House on Thursday. Trump then signed it into law during a Fourth of July event at the White House.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | Musk hints at new political party formation. |
| July 4, 2025 | Trump signs the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law. |
| July 5, 2025 | Musk announces the formation of “America Party.” |
The Challenges Ahead
The challenge Musk faces in establishing a new political entity is significant. Each state has distinct requirements for political party recognition, which often entail clearing complex legal barriers. Veteran election law attorney Brett Kappel noted that the process, which varies from state to state, can be daunting.
- California, for example, mandates that a new party either registers 0.33% of the state’s voters (approximately 75,000) or collects signatures from 1.1 million registered voters.
- To sustain recognition, a party must meet a voter registration threshold or receive at least 2% of the vote in statewide elections.
Establishing a politically significant entity is complicated, requiring sustained financial input and legal maneuvering. Musk’s vast fortune could give him an advantage; however, him stepping into a new party dynamic also entails navigating an expensive and lengthy process. According to Kappel, “Only the richest person in the world could make a serious effort at creating a new American political party.”
Political Financial Landscape
While Musk has proven his capacity to donate significantly to political causes, including $277 million to support Trump and other Republicans in the 2024 elections, he has signaled an intention to reduce his involvement in politics. Should he decide to move forward with the America Party, the financial implications could be overwhelming.
Musk will need to shift his strategy away from his traditional role in financing political campaigns. He faces complex federal regulations capping political contributions once a party achieves national recognition.
Despite the potential hurdles, Musk is keen to maintain his influence. He has indicated a willingness to fund Republican primary challenges against lawmakers who supported the recent legislation opposed by Trump and has expressed support for fellow Republicans who resisted the bill.
As tensions simmer, the dynamics between Musk and Trump continue to evolve, making the potential for a new political movement both captivating and fraught with challenges.
