Believe it or not, Elon Musk has made headlines once again. In early July 2025, Musk announced plans to launch a new political party, reportedly called the “X Party,” in a surprising move that appears to coincide with a public distancing from former president Donald Trump.
The announcement came just days after reports emerged of a significant rift between Musk and Trump. Once seen as allies in their opposition to government regulations and shared criticism of the media, their relationship began to fray over multiple issues. But what’s truly happened behind the scenes, and what does it mean now that Musk is attempting to form his own political party?
247 Tempo has the details of the timeline of events leading to the Musk-Trump breakup, the motivations behind Musk’s political ambitions, and what the launch of a new party could mean for American politics. Sources for this information include The New York Times, Axios, Politico, The Wall Street Journal, and statements made by Musk himself on X during the first week of July 2025.
Musk and Trump: A Once-Strategic Alliance
Elon Musk and Donald Trump were once seen as ideological allies in the messy tech-business-politics triangle. Both were vocal critics of government bureaucracy and media narratives, and Musk even briefly served on a White House advisory council under Trump. However, their political visions appear to have diverged dramatically and all of a sudden.
Musk’s Growing Political Ambitions
Musk has grown increasingly political over recent years, using his platform, X, to champion free speech, criticize both political parties, and promote deregulation. His political comments have reached millions, elevating his sway over public opinion. But is his decision to launch a political party enough to sway even more of the public?
The X Party: A New Political Force?
Musk announced in early July 2025 that he would be launching a new party called the ‘X Party.’ Focusing on AI safety, free speech absolutism, space innovation, and economic decentralization, Musk has said the party will run candidates in down-ballot races first. He has not ruled out backing a presidential candidate or actually running for office himself.
A Timeline of the Breakup
Signs of the Musk-Trump fallout began surfacing in late 2024. Musk publicly criticized Trump’s opposition to EV subsidies and mocked his stance on AI as ‘prehistoric.’ Trump responded by calling Musk ‘an overrated nerd’ at a January 2025 rally, with the feud escalating from there, culminating in Musk’s July 2025 party announcement.
Social Media as Political Weaponry
Musk controls X, one of the most influential social media platforms in the world. He has used it to amplify political viewpoints and attack critics, among many other questionable things. Trump, who was ironically once banned from the platform, now finds himself competing with Musk for online dominance, with their rivalry happening in increasingly public forums.
Trump’s Response to the X Party
Trump’s allies have reportedly dismissed the X Party as a vanity project and ‘a distraction’, warning the move could further split the votes in our already divided country. However, private reports suggest Trump is concerned about Musk’s sway among younger male voters. Polling in swing states will be key to tracking the true impact of this announcement.
The Billionaire Influence Struggle
Musk and Trump are both billionaires with immense media reach and loyal followings, but their rivalry mirrors an ongoing battle among America’s wealthy elite over political direction. Their personal feud also signals larger shifts in right-wing power dynamics and the blurred line between politics and personal issues.
How the X Party Could Shape 2026 and 2028
The X Party may start small, but it has the potential to influence larger political trends. Some analysts say it might pressure Republicans to adopt Muskian priorities like AI ethics or crypto freedoms. Others believe it could simply fragment the anti-left coalition.
What Voters Are Saying
Polling since the very recent announcement shows mixed reactions. Tech professionals and younger voters are intrigued by Musk’s ideas, while most conservative voters remain wary, viewing the X Party as a vote-splitting risk. Democrats are watching closely, unsure whether Musk will siphon support from them or the GOP; only time will truly tell.
Media Reactions to the X Party
Left-leaning outlets labeled Musk’s move as a vanity project and another ploy for attention. Right-wing commentators expressed concern solely about splitting votes. Some centrists welcomed the idea of a new third party disrupting the duopoly. Overall, the media spotlight is now firmly on how Musk will fund and organize this ambitious project.
Musk’s Critique of Both Parties
Musk has grown critical of the GOP and Democrats alike, accusing Democrats of overregulating tech and energy sectors. He also says Republicans are too focused on culture wars at the expense of future-facing issues, so the X Party is positioned as a response to Musk’s perceived political stagnation.
What’s Next for Trump?
Trump continues to dominate Republican primary polls, but his grip on younger and independent voters appears shaky. If the X Party gains traction, Trump may face unexpected challenges from outside the GOP before his term is even over. His 2024 experience with third-party threats (like RFK Jr.) may repeat in a new, more powerful form.
Broader Implications for Tech and Politics
Musk’s entry into party politics could inspire other tech moguls, like Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen, individuals who have already voiced political ambitions. The X Party could become a template for future Silicon Valley-aligned movements, or it may also deepen tensions between old political institutions and new tech disruptors.
Trump and Musk: a Breakup That Reshaped Politics
The Trump-Musk split is more than a celebrity feud; it may have the power to reshape the political landscape. Whether the X Party succeeds or fails, it signals growing dissatisfaction with traditional parties, something that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
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