Trump Criticizes Musk Over America Party Launch: Details

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Elon Musk after the billionaire announced the formation of a new political party, the "American Party," to challenge the two-party system in the U.S. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated that he was "very sad to see Elon Musk completely 'go off the rails,' essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks."

Trump argued that third parties "have never succeeded in the United States" and claimed that the system is not designed to support them. His comments came just hours after Musk announced the launch of his party on X, stating that he would proceed if Congress passed Trump's controversial tax and spending bill, which was approved on Thursday. Musk's new party has raised concerns among Trump supporters that this party could split the Republican vote in the upcoming midterm elections, risking the loss of this party's fragile majority in Congress.

The electoral system of the United States, operating on the principle of majority vote, allows candidates to win with the highest number of votes even if they do not achieve an absolute majority, increasing the likelihood of third-party sabotage. Far-right influencer Laura Loomer, an ally of Trump, expressed concern on X that prominent Republicans like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie might switch to Musk's American Party. While third parties sometimes win state and local offices, no party has won the presidency since the Republican Party emerged in the 19th century. However, Musk's financial influence and large background could give the U.S. party a unique position in the 2026 election if he executes his plans. The rift between Trump and Musk is growing after Musk criticized the One Big Beautiful Bill backed by the Republican Party, which is expected to add an additional $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Musk described the bill as "a disgusting disgusting thing" and threatened to oppose the lawmakers supporting it, stating that "they will lose the primary election next year if that is the last thing I do on this earth." Previously, Musk served in a special government role in the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a nod to Dogecoin, where he focused on cutting government spending. Musk has argued that this bill undermines efforts to cut wasteful spending and has committed that his new party will target key races in the House and Senate. Posting on X, Musk revealed a plan to "focus intensely" on two to three Senate seats and eight to ten House districts to serve as the decisive voice on important legislation, ensuring that the laws reflect the "true will of the people."