
President Donald Trump has criticized former ally Elon Musk’s announcement of launching a new political party, calling it “ridiculous” and intensifying their ongoing dispute.
The world’s richest man was previously closely aligned with Trump while heading the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but their relationship deteriorated over disagreements regarding the president’s major tax and spending legislation.
“I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” Trump told reporters Sunday before boarding Air Force One from his New Jersey golf club. “It’s always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to the confusion. Third parties have never worked. So he can have fun with it, but I think it’s ridiculous.”
On Saturday, South African-born Musk announced plans to establish the America Party, challenging what he characterized as the “one-party system” in the United States. The SpaceX and Tesla executive argues that the president’s substantial domestic spending plan would dramatically increase US debt and has vowed to oppose lawmakers who supported it.
The former DOGE leader, who previously spearheaded efforts to reduce federal spending and eliminate jobs, drew parallels between Trump’s Republicans and Democrats regarding domestic spending practices.
“When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,” Musk posted on X, the social media platform he owns.
Musk provided limited details about his party formation plans, and it remains unclear whether he has registered the party with US electoral authorities. However, the move could create challenges for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections and future contests.
Demonstrating the sensitivity of the issue, Trump continued his criticism while aboard Air Force One, posting on his Truth Social platform: “I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks.”
“The one thing Third Parties are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS, and we have enough of that with the Radical Left Democrats.”
In his extended response, Trump reiterated his previous claim that Musk’s ownership of Tesla influenced his opposition to the spending bill due to reduced subsidies for electric vehicles. Musk maintains his opposition stems from concerns about the bill’s impact on the US fiscal deficit and national debt.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also commented on Musk’s political ambitions Sunday, suggesting he should concentrate on his business responsibilities. When CNN asked if Musk’s plan concerned the Trump administration, Bessent offered indirect criticism.
“I believe that the boards of directors at his various companies wanted him to come back and run those companies, which he is better at than anyone,” Bessent said. “So I imagine that those boards of directors did not like this announcement yesterday and will be encouraging him to focus on his business activities, not his political activities.”
Musk departed DOGE in May to focus entirely on his corporate duties, with Tesla’s sales and reputation reportedly affected by his involvement in Trump’s administration.
Trump held a ceremonial farewell for Musk in the Oval Office, during which Musk appeared with a black eye and received a golden key to the White House from the president. However, within days, both men were exchanging harsh criticisms on social media following Musk’s opposition to Trump’s spending bill.
When asked Sunday if he would request Musk return the golden key, Trump declined to comment.
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