Elon Musk announced on Saturday, July 6, that he is launching a new political party, following a public fallout with President Donald Trump over a contentious domestic policy bill. The move marks a sharp political turn for Musk, who had been among Trump’s most influential supporters and top campaign donors.
The announcement came one day after President Trump signed into law what he called the “big beautiful bill,” a major domestic policy package. Musk, who had previously warned of consequences if the bill passed, responded by declaring the formation of the “America Party” through a post on his social media platform, X. “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,” he wrote. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
Musk’s opposition to the legislation centers on its projected impact on the national deficit. Once a key figure in Trump’s push to reduce federal spending, Musk has grown increasingly vocal about what he calls irresponsible fiscal policies. His criticism of the bill last month initiated a sharp break between the two men, which escalated despite attempts at de-escalation, including Musk deleting several critical posts.
Details about the America Party remain limited. Musk has described the platform as focused on fiscal conservatism and government accountability, but he has not yet outlined concrete policy positions. As of this writing, there is no record of the party being registered with the Federal Election Commission, and it is unclear whether formal steps have been taken toward its legal establishment.
The creation of a third political party in the United States presents significant challenges. According to political analysts cited by CNN, efforts to disrupt the two-party system often face legal and financial hurdles, as well as voter hesitancy to abandon long-standing political affiliations. Historical efforts, such as Ross Perot’s independent presidential bid in 1992, demonstrated that while public appetite for alternatives may exist, converting that support into electoral success remains difficult.
Musk stated that the America Party intends to participate in the 2026 midterm elections by endorsing candidates for select Congressional races. Whether the initiative will evolve into a broader movement remains uncertain.
In response to Musk’s announcement, President Trump offered a pointed rebuke, suggesting his administration might reconsider federal contracts held by Musk’s companies. He also criticized the Department of Government Efficiency — previously headed by Musk — calling it a “monster” that could now “go back and eat Elon.”