Elon Musk is backing away from his recent pledge to form a new political party, according to a report this week from The Wall Street Journal. However, he has not ruled out the plan entirely and may revisit it closer to the midterm elections.
Musk first announced in July that he would launch the America Party as an alternative to the two major parties, telling his followers on X that he intended the organization to compete in House and Senate races. The effort was framed as a response to government spending in the Trump-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a tax-and-spending package Musk vocally opposed. He also threatened to support primary challenges against Republicans who voted in favor of the legislation.
According to the Journal, Musk has since shifted his focus to his companies and maintaining political ties, particularly with Vice President J.D. Vance, who is considered a likely presidential candidate in 2028. Musk has reportedly expressed concerns that starting a party could damage his relationship with Vance and other Republicans.
Behind the scenes, the America Party effort has reportedly gone quiet. The Journal reported that Musk’s team canceled a late-July call with an outside group that specializes in third party campaigns, citing his need to concentrate on business matters. Individuals who previously voiced support for the idea, including former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and billionaire Mark Cuban, have not heard from Musk since his initial announcement.
The Libertarian Party, which encouraged Musk to work with them rather than build a new organization from scratch, has also not heard from him. Libertarian National Committee chair Steven Nekhaila told the Journal that he has not received any outreach from Musk or his associates, calling it an “eerie silence” and noting that there has been no sign of organizational activity at the state or local level.
In response to the article, Musk posted a rebuke Wednesday on X, stating in reply to a user sharing details of the report that “Nothing [the Wall Street Journal] says should ever be thought of as true.”
Despite the Journal’s reporting, Independent Political Report has found some signs of activity around the America Party label, though not directly from Musk himself. This month, a congressional candidate in Tennessee launched an independent bid in the special election for the state’s 7th District, advocating for the America Party as an organization for voters discouraged by partisan politics, and pledged to formally join it if elected.
With thanks to reader Seebeck for sharing news of the Wall Street Journal article with Independent Political Report.
Be First to Comment