Former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest man and CEO of Tesla, are once again at odds, exchanging public insults regarding Musk's recent announcement of a potential new political party. This conflict has emerged as Musk has been contemplating the creation of a third political party following his split with Trump, particularly after the recent passage of Trump's extensive tax cut and spending bill.
Over the weekend, Musk criticized the bill for its anticipated contribution to the national debt, claiming it would add trillions. He took to social media platform X to express his views, stating, "When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy." He went on to announce the formation of the "America Party," which he claims is designed to restore freedom to the people.
In response, Trump ridiculed Musk's idea as "ridiculous," stating, "I think starting a third party just adds to confusion. It really seems to have been developed for two parties." He expressed skepticism about the viability of third parties in the United States, noting their historical lack of success. Trump further criticized Musk on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, "I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely 'off the rails,' essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks."
Trump's comments reflect a significant shift in their relationship. Initially, the two shared a strong alliance, with Musk even appointed as a special government employee to oversee the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at reducing government spending. However, following Musk's departure from the administration in late May, tensions have escalated, particularly regarding Trump's megabill.
After the bill's passage, Musk publicly condemned lawmakers who supported it, stating they should "hang their head in shame." He also warned that Republicans supporting the legislation would face consequences in their primaries, asserting, "This will be the last thing I do on this Earth." Trump's social media post further elaborated on their differences, particularly concerning electric vehicle mandates included in the legislation.
Trump claimed that Musk had previously expressed no objections to him terminating subsidies for electric vehicle (EV) purchases, stating, "I asked him whether or not he knew that I was going to terminate the EV Mandate - It was in every speech I made." He seemed surprised by Musk's apparent change of heart, emphasizing that his primary responsibility is to protect the American public.
Musk did not hold back in his response to Trump, mocking the former president's long post with a simple question, "What's Truth Social?" He criticized Trump's spending bill as a betrayal of the purpose of DOGE, the cryptocurrency he has championed. In a separate post, Musk agreed with a comment suggesting Vice President JD Vance ensure that Trump has the correct facts, further emphasizing his discontent with the administration's financial policies.
Despite Musk's threats to form a new party, it remains uncertain if he has started the official process, such as filing paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. Musk has indicated that his political party would aim to secure a few key Senate seats and several House districts, believing this strategy could provide a critical voting bloc on contentious legislation. He likened his approach to a historical military tactic, stating that his party would use "extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield."
Although Musk's ambition to back a presidential candidate in 2028 is not off the table, he has made it clear that the immediate focus of his party will be on influencing the House and Senate over the next year.
