Tech billionaire Elon Musk has quietly shelved his plans to launch the “America Party” less than three months after announcing it. The decision marks a dramatic shift for the world’s richest man, who had promised to give Americans back their “freedom” through a new political movement that would challenge both Republicans and Democrats.
Musk unveiled his third-party plans in July after a bitter public feud with President Donald Trump over the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The SpaceX and Tesla CEO had criticized the legislation for adding what he called a record $5 trillion to the federal debt. “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,” Musk wrote on X when announcing the party. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
However, sources familiar with Musk’s plans tell The Wall Street Journal that the billionaire has stepped back from the effort, telling associates he wants to focus on running his companies instead. The move appears to be driven by Musk’s desire to maintain his relationship with Vice President JD Vance, who is widely seen as the heir apparent to the MAGA movement and a likely 2028 presidential candidate. Musk has reportedly acknowledged that forming a political party would damage his relationship with Vance, who has been working to bring the billionaire back into the Republican fold.
Musk’s political gamble with an eye on 2028
Despite shelving his immediate plans, Musk has not formally ruled out reviving the America Party as the 2026 midterm elections approach. This leaves a political sword hanging over Trump’s head at a crucial time for his presidency. The 2026 midterms will serve as a major test of Trump’s leadership, occurring right in the middle of his term when presidential approval ratings typically face their biggest challenges.
Political analysts note that Musk’s vast wealth and willingness to spend on politics could make even a limited third-party effort significant. During the 2024 election cycle, Musk spent nearly $300 million supporting Trump and other Republican candidates through his America PAC. His super PAC remains active, giving him continued influence over electoral outcomes without needing to launch a formal political party.
By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2025
When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.
Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom. https://t.co/9K8AD04QQN
The billionaire has suggested focusing his efforts on just “2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts” in any future political intervention. With razor-thin margins in Congress, even such a targeted approach could give Musk decisive influence over key legislation. Sources close to Vance say Musk is now considering directing financial support to the vice president if he runs for president in 2028, rather than pursuing his own political party.
The apparent reconciliation between Musk and Trump’s inner circle comes after their relationship appeared to reach a breaking point in July. Trump had called Musk “off the rails” and a “train wreck” when the America Party was announced, while also threatening to reconsider government contracts with Musk’s companies. However, by late July, Trump was posting on Truth Social that he wanted Musk’s businesses to “thrive like never before,” suggesting the worst of their feud had passed. For now, Musk appears to have chosen pragmatism over revolution, but his political ambitions remain a wild card that could reshape American politics if activated.
