The simmering feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk exploded once again this weekend, after Musk announced the launch of a third political party—prompting an immediate and blistering response from Trump.
“I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” Trump said on Sunday when asked about Musk’s announcement. “We’ve had tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their way. But it’s always been a two-party system… Third parties have never worked.”
Calling Musk’s effort a “distraction,” Trump dismissed the new party outright:
“So he can have fun with it, but I think it’s ridiculous.”
⚡ The “America Party” Is Born
Musk made the surprise announcement on Saturday via his social media platform, X, saying the American people were demanding a new political alternative. The post came just one day after Trump signed what Musk had labeled the “big, beautiful bill”—a massive legislative package that Musk fiercely opposed.
“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party—and you shall have it! Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom,” Musk wrote.
Whether the “America Party” becomes an organized political force remains unclear. As of now, there is no formal infrastructure, candidate list, or ballot access strategy. Still, the mere announcement has sent shockwaves through the Republican establishment—many of whom are already concerned about intraparty divisions heading into the 2026 midterms.
🔥 Musk vs. MAGA: A Relationship in Freefall
Musk and Trump’s once-close political alliance has unraveled in spectacular fashion. After emerging as one of Trump’s most influential supporters during the 2024 election cycle, Musk has in recent months grown increasingly combative, particularly over fiscal issues and foreign aid.
Their latest clash revolves around Trump’s sprawling legislative package, which Musk claims represents a betrayal of conservative values and government overreach. In response, Musk has vowed to use his immense wealth to finance primary challengers against Republicans who voted for the bill.
One of the few members of Congress Musk is openly supporting is Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who publicly opposed the bill and drew Trump’s ire as a result.
🧨 GOP Strategists Alarmed
Inside Republican circles, there is growing anxiety that Musk’s third-party initiative could fracture the conservative vote and jeopardize the party’s slim House majority in 2026.
“One of the most destructive behaviors that we’ve had in cycles where we’ve been unsuccessful in Senate races... are those in which we have expended massive resources in intraparty warfare,” a veteran GOP strategist told told reporters.
With Republicans already facing a difficult map and a divided electorate, some see Musk’s “America Party” as a threat not just to Trump but to the entire conservative movement.
💡 What Happens Next?
While it’s too early to gauge whether the America Party will materialize into a viable third force—or simply fade as a symbolic protest—its timing is politically significant. The Republican primary season is just months away, and any credible third-party threat could dramatically reshape campaign strategies and fundraising efforts across the country.
Trump, for his part, appears ready to go on the offensive. Musk, meanwhile, shows no sign of backing down.
