In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Washington, tech mogul Elon Musk has publicly threatened to launch a new third political party—tentatively named the “America Party” in response to President Donald Trump’s controversial new economic proposal, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The bill, currently under fierce debate in the Senate, proposes sweeping tax cuts for corporations, while simultaneously eliminating major federal subsidies—including those supporting healthcare, food programs, and electric vehicle incentives.
Musk, whose company Tesla could lose significant benefits under the legislation, didn’t mince words. On Monday, he posted on his social platform X, quote: “If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day. Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.”
Musk claims the bill would balloon the national debt by $3.3 trillion over the next decade, calling it fiscally irresponsible and a betrayal of American taxpayers. He’s also accused both parties of reckless spending and called them the “Porky Pig Party” in a fiery post earlier this month.
In a social media poll Musk conducted, over five million users voted—with more than 80% supporting the idea of forming a new centrist political party. While critics say online polls don’t reflect true national sentiment, analysts note a real trend: Gallup reports that 43% of Americans now identify as politically independent, more than either major party.
“There’s a massive appetite for a third party,” said Professor Natasha Lindstaedt of the University of Essex. “If Musk is serious, he certainly has the resources to disrupt the status quo.”
But others remain skeptical. Political scientist Dr. Thomas Gift called Musk’s plan a bluff, citing the immense structural power of the two-party system. And while history remembers Theodore Roosevelt’s 1912 Progressive Party campaign, experts say no third party has sustained lasting national influence.
President Trump, meanwhile, hasn’t stayed silent. Posting on Truth Social, he fired back, accusing Musk of hypocrisy and mocking his business empire. “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to shut down and move back to South Africa,” Trump said, adding that electric vehicles shouldn’t be forced on Americans.
The tension between the two influential figures had cooled briefly in June, following a public fallout, but Musk’s latest salvo has reignited the feud—and possibly the makings of a major political shakeup.
If Musk follows through, the America Party could become the most high-profile third-party initiative in decades. Whether it turns into a viable movement or fizzles like so many before it remains to be seen.
For now, the Senate continues debating Trump’s sweeping legislation, with major consequences for America’s economy—and its political landscape—hanging in the balance.
Reporting by Katy Moore.
