A dramatic political schism has erupted in the United States, with Elon Musk proposing the creation of a new centrist political outfit - The America Party, following a viral online poll in which 80 per cent of X users backed the idea.
“The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle! And exactly 80% of people agree. This is fate,” Musk wrote.
He later announced that the proposed party would be called The America Party.
The development clearly pointed the collapse of Musk’s previously close political alignment with former President Donald Trump. Once an ardent supporter of Trump, Musk has now publicly criticised his former ally’s legislative agenda and called for a movement to represent what he termed the “80% in the middle.”
Musk’s remarks came after he posted a poll on his social media platform, X, asking, “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?” With 80 per cent voting in favour, he declared, “The people have spoken. A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle! And exactly 80% of people agree. This is fate.”
He subsequently suggested the name: The America Party.
Also read: Musk-Trump clash shuts SpaceX Dragon, Tesla loses $152Bn
From MAGA to mayhem
Once close collaborators, Musk and Trump had shared campaign stages, co-founded political action committees, and appeared together on Air Force One. The Tesla and SpaceX chief had served on Trump’s advisory councils and even wore the trademark MAGA cap.
But tensions boiled over after Musk labelled Trump’s $2.4 trillion legislative proposal a “disgusting abomination.” Trump responded from the Oval Office, saying, “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore.”
The conflict rapidly escalated on social media.
Public fallout
Posting on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at Musk’s businesses: “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!”
Musk retorted by accusing Trump of “ingratitude,” reposting unverified claims linking the former president to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” Musk added. “Such ingratitude.”
Impact on GOP and tech sector
Musk’s break with Trump could have broader implications for the Republican Party. As a major donor to conservative candidates during the 2024 cycle, his pivot towards centrism signals potential disruption.
Yet, significant hurdles remain. US election laws make ballot access across all 50 states challenging. Moreover, Musk, born in South Africa, is constitutionally barred from seeking the presidency.
Nonetheless, no billionaire tech magnate has launched such an overt political project in the digital era.
The Musk–Trump feud has reverberated across social media, spawning memes, videos and commentary. Vivian Jenna Wilson, Musk’s estranged daughter and a well-known drag performer, joined the fray with a widely circulated post, adding a personal dimension to the feud.
Markets too reacted. Tesla shares fell 14 per cent, while Trump Media stocks dipped 8 per cent.
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