President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday evening to deliver a fierce critique of Elon Musk, calling the tech leader a “train wreck” who has gone “off the rails” since announcing plans for a new political party. The America Party, unveiled by Musk on July 6, aims to challenge the two‑party system in time for the 2026 midterms. Trump’s reaction underscores growing tensions between two figures who once shared mutual support.
In his post at 8:15 p.m., Trump expressed disappointment at Musk’s shift in stance. He wrote that he felt “saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely off the rails” over the past five weeks. He added that the new party idea “has never succeeded in the United States” and suggested that the political system is built to resist such a challenge. Screenshots of Trump’s message circulated quickly, drawing attention on both Truth Social and X.
Musk first floated the idea of a third party in a July 4 poll on X in which 1.2 million people voted on the question of leaving the two‑party system behind. Sixty‑five point four percent of respondents answered yes. Musk used that result to declare on July 6 that “by a factor of two to one you want a new political party and you shall have it” and announced the America Party “to give you back your freedom.” His announcement came one day after Trump signed a 3.3‑trillion‑dollar spending bill into law.
Trump’s domestic spending law includes tax cuts and ends electric vehicle requirements. Musk called the legislation a “disgusting abomination” and warned that it would balloon the federal debt. He also described it as “debt slavery” and labeled Congress a “Porky Pig party.” In his post, Trump accused Musk of acting in self‑interest. He said the bill’s elimination of electric vehicle credits would hurt Tesla and quipped that Musk had no real problem with ending the mandates.
This feud traces back to Musk’s brief stint at the Department of Government Efficiency. He joined the effort to cut at least two trillion dollars from the budget but stepped down after saving roughly 150 billion dollars. Their split grew sharper after Trump pushed his spending bill through Congress. Musk criticized the measure for failing to curb spending enough and for jeopardizing the economy.
Vice President Mike Johnson tried to smooth tensions by praising Musk’s business acumen. A spokesman said the administration valued Musk’s contributions and hoped he would stay focused on innovation rather than political battles. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen declined to comment directly on the spat but said the government welcomes all voices in the democratic process.
Observers note that third parties rarely gain traction in U.S. politics. The last serious effort came in 1924 when Robert La Follette won a significant share of votes but secured only his home state. Election lawyers say that even with Musk’s deep pockets, launching a party faces hurdles in ballot access and media coverage. One analyst observed that “only a billionaire could attempt this at scale” and added that the real test will be recruiting candidates and meeting state deadlines.
Short Analysis and Personal Insight
At this point, the battle between Trump and Musk seems more personal than political. Each man is using his platform to influence public opinion. Musk’s move shows frustration with the status quo. Trump’s response reveals how seriously he views any threat to his base. I believe this clash may push both sides to sharpen their messages, but it also risks alienating voters tired of high‑profile feuds. The success of the America Party will depend less on social media polls and more on real‑world organization and voter outreach.
Sources: Time Magazine
