Trump Slams Musk’s Political Party as ‘Train Wreck’

Elon Musk and Donald Trump amid rising political tensions.

Former US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Elon Musk’s decision to launch a new political party, calling it “ridiculous” and branding the billionaire a “train wreck” who has gone “off the rails.”

The clash marks a new low in the deteriorating relationship between the two, who were once close allies. Musk, previously a prominent figure in Trump’s cost-cutting “Department of Government Efficiency,” announced the formation of the “America Party” on Saturday, aiming to challenge what he described as the country’s “one-party system.”

“I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One. “It’s always been a two-party system. Third parties have never worked. He can have fun with it, but it’s ridiculous.”

Later, Trump took to his social media platform to double down, accusing Musk of becoming a source of “complete and total disruption and chaos.” He claimed Musk had turned against him after a major spending bill reduced subsidies for electric vehicles—a charge Musk has denied.

Musk, who owns Tesla and SpaceX, argued that his opposition stems from concerns over excessive government spending and soaring national debt. On X, he wrote: “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.”

While Musk gave few details about the new party or its registration status, political analysts suggest it could split conservative votes and complicate Republican prospects in the 2026 midterm elections.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also weighed in, suggesting Musk should return his focus to business. “I believe the boards of his companies would prefer he concentrate on running them,” he said.

Musk left the government advisory role in May, amid growing concerns over Tesla’s performance and his entanglement in political affairs.

Their relationship soured further after Musk criticised Trump’s landmark spending bill. When asked whether Musk would be asked to return the symbolic “golden key” he once received at a White House ceremony, Trump declined to comment.