Tech tycoon Elon Musk has stirred political debate by unveiling the results of an online poll he conducted on his social media platform X, asking whether it was time to form a new political party in the United States. The poll, which quickly went viral, revealed overwhelming support for the idea, with 80 percent of users responding affirmatively.
“The people have spoken,” Musk announced in a widely shared post. “A new political party is needed in America to representthe 80% in the middle! And exactly 80% of people agree. This is fate.”
The move, seen by many as a political statement, comes at a time when the billionaire entrepreneur appears to be distancing himself from President Donald Trump, with whom he once shared a strong public alliance. Musk’s provocative poll was interpreted by some observers as the latest in a string of moves aimed at reshaping the political landscape and appealing to Americans disillusioned by the two dominant parties.
Musk’s call for a centrist political party was not just a whimsical post. The timing of his remarks coincided with an intensifying online campaign against Trump, including a particularly stinging remark that shocked supporters and critics alike: “Without me, Trump would have lost the election.” Musk doubled down on his position shortly afterward by adding, “Such ingratitude.”
These sharp comments appeared to mark a turning point in the relationship between Musk and Trump, which had once seemed firmly rooted in mutual admiration and shared goals. But Trump wasted no time in responding to Musk’s criticism. Taking to his own platform, Truth Social, the president lashed out, accusing Musk of betrayal and hinting at financial retaliation.
“I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!” Trump wrote in a scathing post, threatening to revoke federal contracts and subsidies tied to Musk’s companies. He added, “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.”
Trump’s remarks alluded to the long-standing financial relationship between the federal government and Musk’s enterprises, including Tesla and SpaceX. These companies have benefited from various government programs, subsidies, and contracts over the years, often drawing scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle.
Despite their current public spat, Musk and Trump were once close political allies. During Trump’s presidency, Musk was a regular presence in Washington. He served on advisory councils, participated in policy discussions, and even made appearances at high-level events. Their political bond deepened over time, particularly as Trump pursued pro-business policies that aligned with Musk’s interests.
Following a narrow escape from an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally in July of the previous year, Trump received a public show of support from Musk, who declared his backing in no uncertain terms. At the time, Musk was not just a supporter; he actively contributed to Trump’s reelection efforts. He established a political action committee, took part in campaign rallies, and assumed a highly visible role in Republican fundraising and strategy.
Musk’s support was evident in his appearances at campaign events, often seen wearing MAGA hats and even traveling with Trump aboard Air Force One. His involvement extended to participating in Cabinet meetings and standing behind Trump during key public moments, including the inauguration.
However, that political closeness has since devolved into open hostility, with both men now trading barbs in public forums. What began as a prominent and seemingly strategic alliance has now become a very public feud, raising questions about its potential impact on the business interests of both parties—and the broader political landscape.
The rift between Musk and Trump seems to reflect deeper tensions in American politics, where alliances are often short-lived and driven by transactional interests. As Musk champions the idea of a centrist alternative to the two major parties, some political analysts see it as an attempt to reposition himself as a new kind of political influencer—one who defies the traditional left-right binary.
His framing of the poll results as evidence of national consensus—“A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80% in the middle!”—suggests that he sees a real opportunity to shape political discourse. At the same time, critics argue that Musk’s approach is more about spectacle than substance and question whether he has the political infrastructure to make a third party viable in the U.S. system.
Still, Musk’s influence is hard to dismiss. With millions of followers on X and control of influential companies such as Tesla and SpaceX, his words carry weight far beyond the digital sphere. And his willingness to publicly challenge Trump—once a political ally—underscores the shifting dynamics of conservative politics, especially as the 2024 election looms.
Trump’s threat to cut off government funding for Musk’s ventures could carry real consequences. SpaceX, for instance, holds critical contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense, while Tesla has received federal incentives for electric vehicle production and infrastructure. The specter of political retaliation introduces uncertainty into those relationships.
Yet it also underscores the risk of public feuds in the high-stakes arena where business and politics intersect. As both men continue to spar, the potential fallout could extend beyond their personal reputations to affect investors, federal agencies, and even voters seeking clarity in a polarized environment.
What remains clear is that the Musk-Trump split is more than a personal disagreement. It represents a clash between two towering personalities—each commanding vast resources and influence—over the direction of American politics. Whether Musk’s call for a new political party gains real momentum remains to be seen, but his latest actions suggest he’s not content to sit on the sidelines.
In an era where political loyalty often shifts with public sentiment and digital platforms can shape national debates overnight, the Musk-Trump rupture is both a reflection of the current moment and a signal of the unpredictable months ahead.