President Donald Trump delivered sharp criticism against Elon Musk’s newly formed America Party, calling the third-party effort “ridiculous” and describing his former ally as having gone “completely off the rails.”
The confrontation escalated after Musk officially filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Sunday to establish his America Party, following through on threats made during debates over Trump’s recent government funding legislation.
The filing represents a dramatic escalation in the feud between two of America’s most prominent figures.
Trump addressed reporters in New Jersey while returning to the White House from his Bedminster golf club, dismissing Musk’s political venture entirely.
The president appeared visibly frustrated when questioned about his former ally’s political ambitions.
“I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” Trump stated with characteristic bluntness.
The president emphasized the historical success of the two-party system in American politics, defending the Republican Party’s achievements while criticizing Democratic leadership.
“We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party,” he said.
“The Democrats have lost their way, but it’s always been a two party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion.”
Trump continued his assessment of third-party movements, noting their lack of success throughout American