Trump gives his take on Musk's proposed new third party
The gathering, the six of Trump's administration, was the first Cabinet meeting since Musk left his job as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. It comes after Musk carried out his threat to start an America Party, which he vowed to use to challenge Republicans in the 2026 election . Trump, only two days ago, slammed Musk's move as 'ridiculous,' calling it a 'train wreck' that won't work. But on Tuesday the president sounded more optimistic about the matter.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how serious Musk is about starting a new political movement, which could prove to be an expensive and logistically challenging matter. The world's richest man is speaking to consultants about the matter, but more in general terms and seeking feedback, according to reports. Establishing a third-party movement is akin to moving a mountain: each state has its own requirements to get on the ballot; it's unclear what the new America Party stands for it - other than Musk being angry at Trump; and it is often easier for candidates to prevail under the current political system.
Musk's best chances in next year's midterm election is to back candidates in a few congressional contests where he could make a difference. It's also unclear just how much of his fortune Musk is willing to sink into the effort. Trump's initial response to Musk's endeavor was one of anger.
'I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely 'off the rails,' essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks. He even wants to start a Third Political Party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States,' he railed on Sunday. Musk spent millions helping Trump win a second term in the White House and served in his administration for a few months but the two men fell out over the president's 'big, beautiful bill.'
The Tesla founder was the leading critic of the legislation and, in retaliation for its passage, started his new party. 'I think it's ridiculous to start a third party,' Trump told reporters in New Jersey on his way back to the White House after a weekend at his Bedminster golf club. 'We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party . The Democrats have lost their way, but it's always been a two party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion. It really seems to have been developed for two parties. Third parties have never worked, so he can have fun with it, but I think it's ridiculous.'
Musk vowed vengeance after Congress passed Trump's signature legislation to fund the government. The Tesla founder was angry it contained no federal subsidies for electronic vehicles. And Musk was furious the legislation added to the country's debt. During his time at the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk worked to cut the size and scope of the federal government. He quickly, indirectly, responded to Trump on social media, asking: 'What the heck was the point of @DOGE if he's just going to increase the debt by $5 trillion??'
He then quoted Dune, writing of Trump: 'Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total. Obliteration.' But Trump said Musk knew all along he wouldn't get a subsidies. 'When Elon gave me his total and unquestioned Endorsement, I asked him whether or not he knew that I was going to terminate the EV Mandate - It was in every speech I made, and in every conversation I had. He said he had no problems with that - I was very surprised!,' he wrote in his Truth post.
As lawmakers debated Trump's legislation, Musk - the bill's biggest critic - threatened them repeatedly with primaries and then vowed to start his own political movement. It passed last week and Trump signed it into law on the Fourth of July. And, this weekend, Musk carried out his threat. 'When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,' he wrote Saturday on X. 'Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.'
Musk spent almost $300 million supporting Trump and Republicans in the 2024 election. He and Trump started out close with the president even inviting Musk to stay in the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House. But duo got into a social media war during debate on the 'big, beautiful bill,' leading to Musk threatening to use his billions to start a third political party and Trump threatening to deport the naturalized American citizen.
Musk could impact the 2026 midterm elections that determine control of Congress if he is willing to spend significant amounts of money. However, starting a third party has its difficulties. Every state has different requirements to put a candidate on the ballot and the heavily-gerrymandered congressional districts could prove hard for a third-party candidate to penetrate. Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate with just a handful of seats giving them the edge over Democrats.
Out of 100 seats in the U.S. Senate, 53 are held by Republicans. In the U.S. House of Representatives, 220 seats are held by Republicans and 212 are held by Democrats with three seats presently vacant due to members passing away. The margins could easily shift with a few well-placed victories. The world's richest man spent Sunday morning on X taking feedback from users about the party. He indicated he was going to use it in next year's contests. He also vented his anger at Republicans.
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