Elon Musk says he has created a new US political party
Musk, the world's richest person and Trump's biggest political donor in the 2024 election, had a bitter falling out with the president after leading the Republican's effort to slash spending and cut federal jobs as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.
"When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy," the Space X and Tesla boss posted on X, the social media platform that he owns.
"Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom."
Musk cited a poll -- posted on X on Friday, US Independence Day -- in which he asked whether respondents "want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system" that has dominated US politics for some two centuries.
The yes-or-no survey earned more than 1.2 million responses.
"By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" he posted on Saturday.
The Trump-Musk feud reignited in dramatic fashion late last month as Trump pushed Republicans in Congress to ram through his massive domestic agenda in the form of the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Musk expressed fierce opposition to the legislation, and ruthlessly attacked its Republican backers for supporting "debt slavery."
He quickly vowed to launch a new political party to challenge lawmakers who campaigned on reduced federal spending only to vote for the bill, which experts say will pile an extra $3.4 trillion over a decade onto the US deficit.
After Musk heavily criticized the flagship spending bill -- which eventually passed Congress and was signed into law -- Trump threatened to deport the tech tycoon and strip federal funds from his businesses.
"We'll have to take a look," the president told reporters when asked if he would consider deporting Musk, who was born in South Africa and has held US citizenship since 2002.
ph-mlm/sst
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hamas requests 'unacceptable' changes to Gaza deal, PMO says
The reports came after Hamas said it discussed the current deal framework with other Palestinian factions, and they were "unified" in their "positive" response. Israel has deemed the changes Hamas attempted to make to the recent proposal for a Gazaceasefire and hostage release agreement 'unacceptable,' the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement Saturday night. 'Following a situation assessment, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed to respond positively to the invitation for proximity talks and to continue the negotiations for the return of our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to,' the PMO said. Israel's negotiation team will depart on Sunday to Qatar for negotiations These 'close talks' with Hamas would be an attempt to close the remaining gaps between the parties and conclude the details of the hostage and ceasefire deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to leave Sunday for a meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday. Hamas recently said they discussed the current US-backed ceasefire-hostage deal framework with other Palestinian factions, and they were 'unified' in their 'positive' response to the proposal. However, there seem to be several details in the response that have not been clarified yet. Qatari outlet Al-Araby reported that Hamas requested 'minor amendments' to the plan, which mediators in Doha based on the Witkoff proposal. Ynet reported that the three changes to the deal that Hamas is seeking regard aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, the withdrawal of IDF troops, and a commitment to not resume fighting after the 60-day period ends. On the last point, Hamas is reportedly demanding security guarantees from the US, Qatar, and Egypt. In the deal, 10 live hostages are supposed to be released over the course of 60 days: eight on the first day and two more released on day 50. The bodies of 18 deceased hostages would be returned in three phases across the two-month ceasefire. The Jerusalem Post originally reported that in exchange for the hostages, 125 Palestinian prisoners plus 1,111 Gazans arrested after October 7, 2023, would be released. Hamas is reportedly demanding that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation be removed from the enclave and that the distribution of aid return to the format from previous ceasefires. The Ynet report noted that the agreement, as originally seen by Hamas, only stated that 'aid will be distributed through agreed channels, including the UN and the Red Crescent,' and did not mention the GHF. Hamas also allegedly is pushing for a segmented withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza, which was outlined in an earlier version of the agreement. However, the current Qatari-drafted agreement states that the IDF will redeploy its forces to 'maps to be agreed upon,' thus indicating some discrepancies. In the original Witkoff framework, the IDF will redeploy to northern Gaza and the Netzarim corridor at the start of the ceasefire. However, after a week and pending the release of several hostages' remains, the military will pivot and redeploy to southern Gaza. A military source told Ynet that 'during the ceasefire, the IDF will remain in the original perimeter set in the buffer zone, plus 250 meters into the Strip.' This implies a new buffer zone extending 1.2 to 1.4 kilometers into the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the army 'will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor.' Within Gaza, there appears to be mutual support for the ceasefire deal. Palestinian Islamic Jihad stated that Hamas had informed it of the deal and that it was 'interested in progressing toward an agreement.' Israel's security cabinet was meeting late Saturday night. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has said that Hamas must be eliminated before any agreement and that Israel should encourage emigration from Gaza. 'It is time to stop the slogging in the Strip and strive for a quick resolution of Hamas, which is the ultimate goal of the war,' he said. Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that he would oppose any agreements that would end the fighting in Gaza. 'I can tell you with all my heart that it won't happen. I'm talking to Netanyahu about it, and I don't get the impression that he's on his way there,' Smotrich said. However, Trump has said that he intends to be 'very firm' with Netanyahu about ending the war in Gaza during their meeting on Monday. Relatives of hostages held captive in Gaza held rallies urging the government to seal a deal with Hamas for the release of their loved ones all at once.
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How are Lubbock businesses doing halfway through 2025? Here's what you need to know.
Wondering how Lubbock businesses are doing halfway through 2025? Here's what you need to know. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rahway looks to enhance downtown safety with new surveillance cameras
RAHWAY – The city is taking a step toward enhancing public safety downtown by installing upgraded closed-circuit TV cameras. The project is part of a commitment by Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe and the Rahway City Council to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone who lives, works and visits the city, officials said. The Rahway Police Department, under a contract with JCT Solutions, a technology firm specializing in security systems for municipalities and public agencies, is carrying out the project. "By strengthening our safety infrastructure, we're creating peace of mind and a stronger sense of security across our community," Giacobbe stated. The new system replaces the city's aging surveillance equipment with high-resolution cameras and modern safety tools designed to support faster, more effective emergency responses. The cameras are placed to enhance visibility in public spaces, supporting both prevention and protection efforts throughout the downtown district. City officials said the project is being funded through state appropriations funneled through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs but did not provide the exact cost. More: Veterans Memorial Square in Rahway getting facelift before America's 250th birthday The new cameras also build on the city's existing infrastructure, by improving the quality, reliability, and range of coverage, officials said. Camera placement was guided by public safety goals and coordinated closely with the Rahway Police Department to focus on areas with the greatest need for enhanced oversight. The technology is designed to protect shared spaces – not to monitor individuals. It reflects the city's ongoing commitment to safeguard the community in a responsible, respectful way that prioritizes public trust and transparency, officials said. The installation also includes long-term support and specialized training, ensuring the system will be maintained and operated effectively for years to come. Email: srussell@ Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on Rahway NJ installing new surveillance cameras downtown
