Elon Musk announced the formation of the "America Party" on X, aiming to challenge the dominant two-party system in the U.S. due to concerns over government spending. While polls show public desire for a third party, experts highlight significant obstacles including state ballot access laws, the "wasted vote" phenomenon, and Musk's own controversial public image and unclear political platform.
Elon Musk wants to start a new political party. Here's what could stop him (or slow him down)
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Elon Musk announced the formation of the "America Party" on X, aiming to challenge the dominant two-party system in the U.S. due to concerns over government spending. While polls show public desire for a third party, experts highlight significant obstacles including state ballot access laws, the "wasted vote" phenomenon, and Musk's own controversial public image and unclear political platform.
Trending- 1 Since 2003: Gallup has polled Americans on the need for a third party.
- 2 2016: 5.6% of Americans voted for non-Democratic/Republican presidential candidates.
- 3 2017: High support for a third party (Gallup).
- 4 2018: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace published analysis.
- 5 Last two presidential elections (2020, 2024): Less than 2% voted third party.
- 6 December (2024): Musk's unfavourability jumped among Independents.
- 7 May (2025): Associated Press-NORC poll on Musk's unfavourability.
- 8 Late May (2025): Musk talked about spending less on politics.
- 9 July 4, 2025: Trump's budget bill signed into law.
- 10 July 5, 2025: Elon Musk announced the "America Party" on X.
- 11 Monday (July 7, 2025): Ed Kilgore wrote for New York Magazine.
- 12 Tuesday (July 8, 2025): CBC News article published.
- Potential disruption to the two-party system in the U.S.
- Challenges in gaining ballot access across states
- Public skepticism and debate over Musk's influence and political viability
- Further scrutiny of government spending and political parties
What: Elon Musk announced the formation of a new political party, "the America Party," on X, aiming to challenge the dominant two-party system in the U.S. and address government spending.
When: Tuesday (CBC article published); July 4 (Trump's budget bill signed); July 5 (Musk announced party); past year (Trump-Musk relationship); since 2003 (Gallup polling); 2023 (Gallup peak, Pew survey); late 1980s (Independents comparable to Democrats/Republicans); 2016 (5.6% voted third party); last two presidential elections (less than 2% voted third party); 2018 (Carnegie Endowment analysis); Monday (Ed Kilgore wrote); late May (Musk talked about spending less on politics).
Where: United States (general); New York state, California (ballot access laws); Wisconsin (election where Musk spent less).
Why: Musk is "irritated" over U.S. government spending, which he calls "waste and graft," and believes the two major parties are fiscally irresponsible ("Porky Pig party"). He aims to give Americans more political choice and influence contentious laws.
How: Musk announced the party on X. His efforts may involve focusing on specific Senate and House seats, but face challenges from state ballot access laws, voter behavior (fear of "wasting" votes), and his public image.