In a candid statement made to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Trump expressed skepticism about the viability of a third political party in the U.S, declaring, "I think it's ridiculous to start a third party. It's always been a two-party system." His remarks come following Musk's teasing of a new party amid their recent tensions surrounding fiscal policies.
The billionaire Tesla CEO took to X—formerly known as Twitter—over the weekend to confirm his intent to create a platform that would rival both the Republican and Democratic parties. Previous to their fallout, Musk held a prominent position leading the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump's administration, where he worked on strategies to reduce federal expenses.
Additionally, Trump criticized Musk's recent endorsement of an Electric Vehicle (EV) Mandate, suggesting it would unreasonably pressure consumers into purchasing electric cars. "I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely 'off the rails,'" Trump remarked on his Truth Social platform, outlining that the mandate was omitted from his tax and spending legislation, signed on July 4, which notably ended tax breaks for EV purchases.
This legislation, which has faced backlash for cuts to healthcare and food-support programs, intends to bolster border security, defense, and energy production, leaving room for various consumer choices without mandating electric vehicles.
Musk's recent foray into politics seems to have heightened the rift between the former allies, as he criticized Trump's spending plans during their ongoing public feud. The evolving dynamic illustrates a significant shift in their relationship, reflecting broader tensions within American political discourse.
