Elon Musk launches America Party after row with Trump over the Big Beautiful Bill
Elon Musk Launches America Party to Disrupt US Two-Party System Ahead of 2026 Elections
What happened
Elon Musk has launched the America Party, a new political entity aimed at hitting back at the traditional two-party system in the US. Declared on X over the July 4 weekend, the party is targeting a handful of pivotal House and Senate seats, intending to act as a decisive vote on key legislation. A poll on X showed around 65% support for the initiative. Musk’s move follows his public break with Donald Trump over the recent “Big Beautiful Bill” tax-and-spend package.
Why it matters
The announcement signals a major fracturing of the US political landscape at a time when Congress margins are razor-thin, and Musk aims to wield influence by backing candidates in swing districts. If Musk successfully disrupts the status quo, it could reshape policy debates, particularly around fiscal responsibility, green energy incentives, and AI’s role in governance. However, third-party efforts have historically failed in the US due to structural hurdles, suggesting a steep climb ahead.
Reaction
Trump immediately dismissed the idea as “ridiculous” and a “train wreck,” accusing Musk of acting out of spite over the elimination of EV incentives. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Musk’s corporate board and financial analysts echoed concerns that political distractions could hurt Tesla’s market performance. Supporters like Mark Cuban and Anthony Scaramucci expressed interest in helping, indicating early backing despite clear doubts from establishment figures.
What next
Musk plans to focus on a targeted strategy in the coming 12 months, backing select candidates in Congress to shift the balance of power. Ballot-access efforts and regulatory filings with the Federal Election Commission will be closely watched in the coming weeks. Analysts will track early polling and fundraising, while Musk’s business peers will be monitoring for potential cross-over disruption to his corporate commitments. The broad question: will the America Party gain enough traction to break the bipartisan duopoly?
