The tech billionaire breaks with Trump, vows to defeat lawmakers backing ‘debt slavery’
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, once a top political ally and major donor to US President Donald Trump, announced on Saturday the launch of a new political party: the America Party, which he says is designed to “give you back your freedom” and break the grip of what he describes as a corrupt “one-party system.”
The declaration, made via Musk’s social media platform X, follows a bitter public fallout with Trump over the administration’s massive domestic spending bill, which Musk believes will “explode the US debt” and betray promises of fiscal conservatism.
“When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,” Musk wrote.
“Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
From DOGE to Division
Musk previously led Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he spearheaded efforts to slash federal jobs and spending. However, tensions mounted when Trump pushed through the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, a multi-trillion-dollar spending package.
Labeling the bill “debt slavery,” Musk accused Republican lawmakers of betrayal and vowed to defeat them in primaries, declaring:
“They will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”
The bill, which adds an estimated $3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, has now been signed into law despite Musk’s fierce opposition.
Musk’s Political Playbook
Musk backed his party’s launch with a viral Independence Day poll on X, asking followers whether they wanted to escape the two-party system. Over 1.2 million users responded, with a two-to-one majority in favor of a new party.
He followed up with a political strategy post, proposing to “laser-focus on 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts” in order to influence key legislation and position the America Party as a potential swing vote in Congress.
Trump’s Retaliation: Deportation Threat?
As tensions escalated, Trump reportedly floated the idea of revoking federal funding from Musk’s businesses and even hinted at deporting the billionaire, despite Musk being a naturalized US citizen since 2002.
“We’ll have to take a look,” Trump told reporters, when asked whether he’d consider deporting Musk, who was born in South Africa.
Third-Party Risk?
Observers were quick to point out the historical risks of third-party movements, referencing billionaire Ross Perot’s 1992 presidential run, which split the conservative vote and helped elect Democrat Bill Clinton.
One user on X told Musk:
“You are pulling a Ross Perot, and I don’t like it.”
Despite the criticism, Musk appears determined to reshape America’s political landscape. With the 2026 midterm elections looming, and speculation swirling about the 2028 presidential race, the America Party could become one of the most disruptive political forces the US has seen in decades.
