In a dramatic escalation of tensions between two former allies, tech mogul Elon Musk has publicly declared his intention to launch a new political party — the “American Party” — in direct opposition to Donald Trump’s controversial spending legislation currently under review in the Senate.
The fallout follows Musk’s scathing criticism of what Trump has dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping tax-and-spending package that Musk claims would blow out the national debt ceiling by an unprecedented $5 trillion. Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of social media platform X, warned that the bill signals the complete capture of the U.S. political system by what he now refers to as the “Party of Pigs.”
“America has become a one-party state,” Musk posted on X. “Democrat and Republican elites are united in reckless spending. It’s time for a new party — a party for the actual people.”
The renewed push to form a political faction comes after Musk ran a viral poll on X, asking users whether the U.S. needs a new party. Over 80% responded in favor. “VOX POPULI VOX DEI,” Musk wrote. “80% voted for a new party.”
According to Musk, the proposed “American Party” would aim to represent the political middle — the 80% of Americans he claims are alienated by extreme partisanship and financial irresponsibility in Washington.
From Ally to Adversary
Musk’s relationship with Trump has long been complicated. He previously chaired the short-lived Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during Trump’s first term, but their alliance fractured in recent months. The breakdown has now turned into open warfare.
Musk has blasted GOP House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris and Rep. Chip Roy for backing Trump’s bill, questioning how self-described fiscal conservatives could support legislation that expands the debt by trillions.
The Congressional Budget Office has projected that the Senate version of the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the deficit between 2025 and 2034 — roughly $1 trillion more than the House version. The Senate remains in a grueling round of votes as the White House urges passage.
“If this insane spending bill passes, the American Party will be launched the next day,” Musk warned on X. He slammed the “Democrat-Republican uniparty” as a corrupt machine that no longer reflects voter interests.
The conflict reached new heights Tuesday when Musk said he would financially and politically support primary challengers against Republican lawmakers who vote for the bill — prompting an explosive reaction from Trump himself.
Trump Fires Back
Trump, in a blistering post on his platform Truth Social, fired back with a direct threat: he would eliminate government subsidies for Musk’s companies. “Elon Musk knew long before he started praising me that I oppose EV subsidies. Always have, always will,” Trump wrote. “Elon receives more subsidies than any person in history. Without them, he’d be out of business — no rockets, no Teslas, no satellites. Just a flight back to South Africa.”
Trump went further, suggesting Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency should “closely review” the public funding provided to Tesla and SpaceX. The former president framed it as an overdue crackdown on corporate welfare.
Musk didn’t flinch. He responded defiantly on X: “Literally saying: CANCEL IT ALL. Immediately.”
A Nation Divided — And Re-aligning?
This latest feud reflects a deeper fracture in the Republican coalition — one where former allies like Musk are peeling off in dramatic fashion. His calls for a centrist third party resonate with a growing number of voters disillusioned by both the GOP and Democratic leadership.
Musk has already hinted at branding lawmakers who vote for the bill as “LIARS,” promising to feature their faces on posters labeled “I voted to raise America’s debt by $5,000,000,000,000.”
Whether Musk’s “American Party” will materialize remains to be seen, but the billionaire appears to be laying the groundwork for a political upheaval — fueled not just by money and media clout, but by an ideological rift that could redefine the 2026 midterms and beyond.
For now, one thing is clear: the bromance between Musk and Trump is over. And the battle lines are drawn.