In a dramatic move that could shake up the U.S. political landscape, tech billionaire Elon Musk announced Saturday the official launch of a new political faction: the America Party. Positioned as an alternative to both Democrats and Republicans, Musk’s announcement arrives after weeks of online agitation and rising tension between the Tesla CEO and major political leaders — including former President Donald Trump.
“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it,” Musk declared on X, the social media platform he owns. “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.”
Following the post, a webpage for the America Party went live, describing it as a movement “built on common sense, not consultants.” Within hours, the party had already attracted more than 19,000 followers online — a clear sign of public interest in an alternative to the entrenched two-party system.
A Response to ‘Uniparty’ Politics
Musk has long voiced frustration with what he calls the "uniparty" — a term used by critics to describe perceived collusion or similarity between the Republican and Democratic establishments. His frustration came to a head after the GOP passed a controversial spending bill that, among other things, included cuts to electric vehicle (EV) tax credits — a key incentive supporting Tesla’s market share.
Citing ancient military strategy, Musk framed his new political party as a force aimed at disrupting the entrenched political order:
“The way we’re going to crack the uniparty system is by using a variant of how Epaminondas shattered the myth of Spartan invincibility at Leuctra: Extremely concentrated force at a precise location on the battlefield,” he wrote on X.
The move appears to be more than symbolic. Musk, who has donated heavily to Republican causes in recent years, is now signaling a strategic pivot. Political analysts suggest his motivation is both ideological and financial, as recent legislation could directly impact his businesses, especially Tesla and SpaceX.
Trump Fires Back, Threatens Federal Probe
The formation of the America Party has infuriated some on the right — especially former President Trump, who is mounting his own campaign ahead of the 2026 midterms. Trump lashed out at Musk, accusing him of benefiting from government subsidies while now threatening to turn against the very system that supported him.
“Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,” Trump said in a statement.
He hinted at launching a federal investigation into Musk’s businesses through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a now-defunct agency previously headed by Musk himself during a brief advisory stint.
“No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE,” Trump added, raising eyebrows about whether political retaliation could be on the table.
Bannon: “Deport Musk”
Trump ally and former chief strategist Steve Bannon offered even harsher words. On his “War Room” podcast Friday, Bannon mocked Musk as “Elmo the Mook” and called for his deportation, questioning his American loyalty.
“Only a foreigner could do this,” Bannon said, referring to Musk’s citizenship status. “No, brother, you’re not an American. You’re a South African and... you should be deported.”
Musk, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002, has yet to respond directly to Bannon’s comments, but has continued engaging with supporters and critics alike on X.
A Disruptive Force or a Political Stunt?
While some see the America Party as a genuine attempt to break the duopoly of U.S. politics, others view it as a personal branding exercise or even a pressure tactic aimed at influencing policy in Musk’s favor.
“This could go either way,” said Dr. Maria Chen, a political analyst at Georgetown University. “If Musk invests serious money and infrastructure into this party, it could become the most viable third-party challenge in modern U.S. history. If not, it may just be a very loud protest.”
Musk’s celebrity status, immense financial resources, and control over a major social media platform give him a platform unlike any third-party figure in recent memory. But whether the America Party gains traction with voters remains an open question.
