Elon Musk’s suggestion for a new political party began strategically using his massive social media platform on Thursday, June 5, 2025. He posted a poll to his 220 million followers on X, asking whether it was “time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle.” The response was overwhelmingly positive, with precisely 80% of respondents supporting the idea. Musk interpreted this as a mandate, declaring,
“The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle! And exactly 80% of people agree. This is fate.”
Following the poll, Musk endorsed a fan’s suggestion to name the proposed party “The America Party,” a name reminiscent of his America PAC, which spent $239 million supporting Trump and other Republican candidates in 2024. This move represents a departure from Musk’s previous political engagement, primarily operated through traditional Republican channels.
His framing of representing “the 80% in the middle” positions the potential party as a moderate alternative to the polarized extremes of current American politics. However, the specificity of the 80% figure matching both his target demographic and poll results has led to speculation about the organic nature of this support.
The political party announcement is deeply tied to the dramatic deterioration of Musk’s relationship with President Trump, which has unfolded publicly over the past week. The conflict centers on Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a comprehensive domestic policy package that Musk has vehemently opposed, calling it a “disgusting abomination” and urging lawmakers to vote against it. The legislation would reportedly increase the national debt by $4 trillion, a figure Musk argues undermines his work during his brief tenure leading the Department of Government Efficiency.
The dispute turned personal when Musk claimed,
“Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” adding, “Such ingratitude,”
About his substantial financial contributions to Trump’s 2024 campaign. Trump responded forcefully, threatening to terminate federal contracts and subsidies to Musk’s companies, stating,
“The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.”
This exchange marks a complete reversal from their previous alliance, where Musk had been a visible supporter, frequently appearing at rallies and traveling aboard Air Force One.
Musk’s proposal appears strategically timed to pressure Republican lawmakers caught between the two influential figures. He reminded congressional Republicans,
“Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years” .
Trump’s subsequent dismissal of Musk, saying,
“I’m not thinking about Elon. I just wish him well,” and calling him “a man who has lost his mind”.
Despite Musk’s enthusiasm and followers’ support, creating a viable third party faces substantial practical and legal obstacles. The most immediate challenge is ballot access, as the Democratic and Republican parties already maintain access in virtually every state. A new party must navigate complex state-by-state regulations, requiring significant organizational infrastructure, petition drives, and financial resources.
Financial regulations also pose a constraint. While Musk can pour unlimited funds into his America PAC, donations to formal political parties are capped at well under $1 million, according to Federal Election Commission limits for 2025-2026. This restriction would prevent Musk from single-handedly funding a new party’s operations, potentially requiring a more traditional grassroots fundraising approach.
Musk’s seriousness about the venture remains uncertain. After the initial announcement, he replied “Ok” to a suggestion that the most effective approach would be to get involved in Republican primaries, and he entertained the idea of reforming existing parties “from the inside out.” These responses suggest that while Musk is committed to political engagement, its form remains fluid.
The political establishment has responded with skepticism. Representative Jimmy Patronis, a Florida Republican, expressed doubt, predicting that “Elon Musk is not going to create a new political party” and suggesting that Trump and Musk would reconcile within a month. This reflects a broader view among Republican lawmakers that the feud is a temporary disagreement.
Conservative reactions have been mixed. Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon reportedly urged Trump to initiate federal investigations into Musk’s companies and even suggested deportation. These extreme responses indicate the high stakes involved, as Musk’s criticism of Trump could influence other wealthy donors and political figures.
Musk’s proposal highlights growing dissatisfaction with traditional party structures, tapping into concerns about political polarization. However, the historical record of third parties suggests that even well-funded efforts face enormous challenges, and success would require sustained commitment beyond the current dispute.
Elon Musk’s announcement of a potential “America Party” represents a significant escalation in his feud with President Trump and marks a potentially transformative moment in American politics. The overwhelming support from his X poll, his financial resources, and his public platform suggest that any serious effort to create a new party could impact the political landscape. However, practical challenges like ballot access and campaign finance regulations present formidable obstacles.
