Trump Slams Musk’s New “America Party” as ‘Ridiculous’

U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at Elon Musk’s newly announced political party, calling it “ridiculous” and accusing the billionaire of creating unnecessary chaos ahead of the 2026 elections.

Speaking at a rally in Florida on Sunday, Trump dismissed Musk’s “America Party” as a vanity project, claiming it would “split the vote” and accusing Musk of seeking attention rather than real change.

“It’s ridiculous, just ridiculous,” Trump said. “We have a country to save, and we don’t need distractions from people who think politics is a hobby.”

Trump’s remarks came days after Musk announced on X that he was launching the America Party to challenge both Democrats and Republicans, claiming the current system is broken and controlled by “career politicians who are out of touch with the people.” Musk has said the party will prioritize “practical solutions” to issues like national debt, energy policy, and technology-driven economic growth.

Trump, however, argued that Musk’s efforts would only help Democrats by dividing conservative voters.

“Every time someone tries this, it doesn’t end well,” Trump said, referencing past failed third-party movements in U.S. politics.

The tension marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two men, who have previously expressed support for each other on issues including space exploration and deregulation. Musk has not responded directly to Trump’s criticism but posted on X that “political monopolies are as dangerous as corporate ones” and that “real change requires stepping outside the system.”

Analysts say Musk’s move could complicate the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms, particularly if the America Party gains traction among disaffected voters seeking alternatives to traditional parties. However, it remains unclear whether the party can build the necessary structure and voter base to make an impact in a system historically resistant to third-party success.

Trump, who remains the leading figure in the Republican Party, emphasized that his focus remains on “winning big” in upcoming elections and that efforts to “distract the movement” would fail.

With input from Al Jazeera