As he had previously vowed, Tesla CEO Elon Musk officially announced the formation of a new, third political party on Saturday, July 5, 2025. This dramatic move comes just hours after President Donald Trump signed his “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law, a sweeping budget measure that implements massive spending cuts and eliminates nearly all federal climate and clean energy programs, legislation Musk staunchly opposed.

The announcement was definitive. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom,” the world’s richest man posted on X (formerly Twitter) at 3:46 PM ET. He did not immediately provide further details on the party’s platform or organizational structure.

By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!

When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.

Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom. https://t.co/9K8AD04QQN

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 5, 2025

This decision directly follows a highly visible poll Musk conducted on X the previous day, July 4, as Trump prepared to enact the bill that had become a centerpiece of his administration. “Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system!” Musk wrote, directly posing the question: “Should we create the America Party?” X users were given only two options: “Yes” or “No.”

The results of the poll, also posted on X, showed overwhelming support. Nearly 1.25 million accounts participated, with approximately 65.4% voting “yes.”

Independence Day is the perfect time to ask if you want independence from the two-party (some would say uniparty) system!

Should we create the America Party?

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 4, 2025

“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!” the SpaceX founder declared on Saturday while announcing the party’s creation. He further elaborated on his motivation, stating, “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.”

The formation of this party, while impactful, does not come as an absolute surprise. Musk had previously hinted at such a move last month, amid an escalating feud with Trump, whom he had publicly labeled ungrateful.

This isn’t the first time Musk has publicly entertained the idea of a third party. In May 2022, he posted, “A party more moderate on all issues than either Reps or Dems would be ideal,” adding that, “This is what most people in America want, but unfortunately it’s not realistic.” However, after a tumultuous recent period in Washington where he led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) within the Trump administration, and a highly publicized rift with the President, he appears more determined than ever to turn rhetoric into political action.

Musk’s core belief is that neither the Republican Party, which currently controls the government, nor the Democratic opposition adequately represents a significant segment of the American population. He seems convinced that the political landscape is ripe for a new movement. This conviction is supported by recent polling data: according to a 2024 Gallup study, a substantial 43% of Americans identified as independents, while only 28% identified specifically as Republican and 28% as Democrat.

Despite this apparent opening for a new political force, history suggests that third party candidates face considerable challenges within the U.S. electoral system. Historically, even strong independent bids have struggled to translate popular support into electoral victories. For instance, Ross Perot’s notable 1992 presidential run captured 18.9% of the popular vote but secured no electoral college votes. More recent third party candidates, such as Jill Stein, have typically polled below 1% in national presidential elections.