David Edwards
Former President Donald Trump has publicly condemned Elon Musk’s announcement of the “America Party,” denouncing the initiative as destabilizing and misguided. Trump criticized Musk for attempting to disrupt the longstanding two-party system, describing the billionaire’s political ambitions as a “train wreck.”
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said Musk had gone “completely off the rails” and warned that third parties “have never succeeded in the United States” because “the system is not designed for them.” The former president also referred to Musk’s recent political behavior as a source of chaos and confusion for conservative voters.
Musk announced the formation of the America Party on his X platform shortly after Congress passed a controversial tax-and-spending bill, which Musk labeled a “disgusting abomination.” He had previously threatened to oppose any lawmakers who supported the legislation, which is projected to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.
Despite reports of Federal Election Commission filings tied to the America Party, Musk has confirmed that at least one of the filings is fake and has questioned the legitimacy of others. No verified registration currently confirms the legal formation of the party.
The move has sparked concern among Republican strategists and Trump allies, who fear that a third-party bid could fracture the GOP vote in the 2026 midterm elections. Some conservative commentators worry the America Party could siphon off enough Republican support to jeopardize the party’s narrow Congressional majority.
Adding to the political tension, Musk has indicated his new party will “laser-focus” on a handful of key Senate and House races. He believes capturing just a few swing seats could allow the party to play a decisive role in legislative decisions, potentially blocking both Republican and Democratic agendas.
Musk’s return to political controversy comes just weeks after ending his tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE—a position created to address federal overspending. He has argued that the recently passed legislation undermines the very mission of DOGE.
Investor confidence in Musk’s business ventures has also taken a hit. Some shareholders have expressed concern that his growing political focus could distract from his leadership at Tesla and other companies. Analysts have pointed to a decline in Tesla stock performance this year, in part due to these political entanglements.
