Billionaire Elon Musk is reportedly pressing pause on plans to launch a new 'America Party', opting instead to back Republican vice‑president JD Vance for a possible 2028 presidential bid. Musk, who heads Tesla and X, told associates he would rather focus on his companies than siphon votes from Republican allies, according to a Wall Street Journal report summarised by Newsweek. The move signals a potential thaw in relations between Musk and Donald Trump, after the pair clashed earlier this year.
Newsweek's account, citing sources close to Musk, says the tech mogul fears founding a third party would damage his relationship with Vance and derail his influence within the GOP. Musk reportedly believes Vance will inherit the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement once Trump finishes his second term and is prepared to finance the vice‑president's White House run.
What Prompted Musk's Change of Heart
In June, Musk threatened to form the 'America Party' during a public spat with Trump over the Big Beautiful Bill Act, a spending package he branded a 'disgusting abomination'. At the time he vowed to target two or three Senate seats and as many as ten House races, and he hinted he might fund primary challengers against Republicans who backed the bill.
The feud escalated when Trump suggested he might cancel federal contracts for Musk's companies; relations later improved when Musk stepped down from Trump's Department of Government Efficiency to focus on his businesses.
When did the New Strategy Emerge
The WSJ report surfaced in mid‑August, though Musk had been hinting at a strategic reassessment since his May departure from government. The memo suggests he is waiting to see how the 2026 midterm elections play out before deciding whether to revive the party plan. Until then, Musk will concentrate on his companies and maintain relationships with key Republicans.
Neither Musk nor Vance has formally addressed the allegations. Instead, Musk posted on X: 'Nothing @WSJ says should ever be thought of as true', effectively denying the Journal's account. The post did not elaborate on his plans or relationship with Vance. Trump has also remained silent, but aides say he and Musk have patched up their differences.
Why does it Matter
A Musk‑funded 'America Party' could have fractured the conservative vote and jeopardised Republican control of Congress. By shelving the plan, Musk appears to be signalling solidarity with the GOP and its expected standard‑bearer Vance. If he follows through with financial backing, the vice‑president would enter the 2028 race with a potent war chest and the support of one of the world's most influential businessmen. Whether Musk revives the idea of a third party will likely depend on how the next election cycles unfold.
For now, the entrepreneur seems content to stay close to the Republican establishment, using his wealth and network to shape the party's future and, potentially, the country's.
