Latest news with #AmericaParty
The Independent
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Musk's America Party can't get off the ground and was just to ‘blow off steam' about Trump's bill
Elon Musk may have proposed the America Party as a rival to the United States' two main political parties, but those familiar with the tech billionaire say his threat was only an act of rebellion against President Donald Trump 's One Big Beautiful Bill. After his fallout with Trump and departure from the White House, Musk is transitioning back to focusing on his various companies and finding firmer footing in the political sphere. Part of his journey to cementing himself in politics included pitching the idea of an alternative party to Republicans or Democrats. At first, the idea rattled some who believe Musk's deep pockets and influence on the public could be enough to shake up the 2026 midterm elections. As the wealthiest person in the world, Musk has enough resources to push candidates forward – as he did for Trump during the presidential election. But nearly a month after promising to form the party, Musk has not filed any official paperwork. Tesla investor James Fishback told Axios he believes Musk was just trying to 'blow off steam' after his heated fallout with Trump. "I look at the half-life of how this guy operates," Fishback told the news outlet last week. "It has been 17 days since he said he was going to start the America Party. There's no filing, no candidate. There's nothing of substance." That's compared to Musk's eagerness to implement ideas swiftly. For example, pushing to have Tesla Robotaxis, or self-driving taxis, roll out in Austin, Texas, or adding his X artificial intelligence system, Grok, implemented in Tesla vehicles. Even while working in the White House, Musk was quick to begin installing his Department of Government Efficiency Team in federal agencies and departments in order to make sweeping cuts. Much of the criticism from Democrats about his actions was that decisions were made too quickly. However, he does not appear to be taking that same fast and hard approach to officially forming the America Party. Musk's motivation behind publicly declaring his desire to create a new political party arose from his bitter feud with Trump. While tensions between the two appear to have simmered for now, at one point, Trump and Musk traded jabs at one another online. Trump threatened to pull Musk's various lucrative government contracts, while Musk took credit for helping elect Trump with his financial backing. The only official political group formed under Musk is the America PAC, which Musk bankrolled to support Trump's campaign. . Despite Musk's efforts, the liberal candidate won. It's unclear if Musk will officially form the America Party, which would require filing with the Federal Election Commission. But even if he doesn't, Musk could still use his influence and wealth through his PAC to bolster candidates.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I Asked ChatGPT What Elon Musk's ‘America Party' Means for My Taxes, Here's What it Said
As the rift between Elon Musk and Donald Trump grows, Musk's recent announcement of the potential launch of an 'America Party' has splashed across the headlines. While the Tesla billionaire's 'America Party' is in its nascent stages, it could make an impact on the future of politics. For You: See Next: The entry of a new and potentially popular third party into American politics could shake things up. While no one can predict the future, I asked ChatGPT to give me an assessment of what Musk's 'America Party' would mean for my taxes — here's what it had to say. Potential Party Platform Musk hosted a poll on X asking whether or not he should launch the America Party. After a few days, he announced the results and that he would be starting the American Party. Although the America Party has launched, it doesn't have an official platform yet. Even so, ChatGPT summarized what the party might stand for. 'Elon Musk launched the America Party in early July 2025, positioning it as a centrist, fiscally responsible and tech-forward alternative to both Republicans and Democrats,' according to ChatGPT. Check Out: Potential Tax Impacts If fiscal conservatism is the focus of the new party, it's likely to have some impact on everyone's taxes, especially if it ever gains power. ChatGPT claimed the new party tax policies might focus on the following: Fiscal conservatism and deficit-focused: 'The America Party's platform likely emphasizes deficit reduction via tax restraint, potentially favoring higher taxes on wealthy earners, reducing loopholes or phasing out regressive tax cuts,' ChatGPT said. Green energy and tech incentives: 'Expect the America Party to advocate for restoring or expanding clean-energy tax credits, R&D incentives and other supportive structures for sustainable tech,' the chatbot said. Pro-business and tech-friendly tax reforms: With a potential focus on 'tech-driven, low-regulation attitudes,' ChatGPT predicted this could translate into business tax reforms, such as lower corporate tax rates and tax incentives for startups. Potential Impacts Vary Across Households If the America Party came to power and enacted its agenda, different households would see different impacts. '[Top earners] could face marginal increases if deficit-driven reforms target high-income brackets. But they may benefit from enhanced R&D or green-business credits,' ChatGPT said. For mid-income families, the chatbot claimed they 'could see relief if payroll tax adjustments or retention of EV or green subsidies are part of the agenda.' And for low-income households, the chatbot predicted 'direct gains likely from restored rebates, tax credits and possibly expanded earned income tax credit, contingent on the America Party's social policy platform.' Likely Impacts Right Now While the party's platform might be interesting, it's worth pointing out that it's not even on the ballot nationwide right now. Although the America Party is trying to get started, it's initially set it's sights on a few congressional races, which wouldn't immediately push the country toward its agenda. 'Minimal direct impact on your taxes for the short-term — unless America Party candidates win seats in 2026 and influence future bills, ChatGPT said. The America Party is getting off the ground. While it's building out a platform, it has yet to win any elections. Until it gains real influence, it likely cannot influence tax policies or your taxes directly. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates Clever Ways To Save Money That Actually Work in 2025 This article originally appeared on I Asked ChatGPT What Elon Musk's 'America Party' Means for My Taxes, Here's What it Said Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I Asked ChatGPT What Elon Musk's ‘America Party' Means for My Taxes, Here's What it Said
As the rift between Elon Musk and Donald Trump grows, Musk's recent announcement of the potential launch of an 'America Party' has splashed across the headlines. While the Tesla billionaire's 'America Party' is in its nascent stages, it could make an impact on the future of politics. For You: See Next: The entry of a new and potentially popular third party into American politics could shake things up. While no one can predict the future, I asked ChatGPT to give me an assessment of what Musk's 'America Party' would mean for my taxes — here's what it had to say. Potential Party Platform Musk hosted a poll on X asking whether or not he should launch the America Party. After a few days, he announced the results and that he would be starting the American Party. Although the America Party has launched, it doesn't have an official platform yet. Even so, ChatGPT summarized what the party might stand for. 'Elon Musk launched the America Party in early July 2025, positioning it as a centrist, fiscally responsible and tech-forward alternative to both Republicans and Democrats,' according to ChatGPT. Check Out: Potential Tax Impacts If fiscal conservatism is the focus of the new party, it's likely to have some impact on everyone's taxes, especially if it ever gains power. ChatGPT claimed the new party tax policies might focus on the following: Fiscal conservatism and deficit-focused: 'The America Party's platform likely emphasizes deficit reduction via tax restraint, potentially favoring higher taxes on wealthy earners, reducing loopholes or phasing out regressive tax cuts,' ChatGPT said. Green energy and tech incentives: 'Expect the America Party to advocate for restoring or expanding clean-energy tax credits, R&D incentives and other supportive structures for sustainable tech,' the chatbot said. Pro-business and tech-friendly tax reforms: With a potential focus on 'tech-driven, low-regulation attitudes,' ChatGPT predicted this could translate into business tax reforms, such as lower corporate tax rates and tax incentives for startups. Potential Impacts Vary Across Households If the America Party came to power and enacted its agenda, different households would see different impacts. '[Top earners] could face marginal increases if deficit-driven reforms target high-income brackets. But they may benefit from enhanced R&D or green-business credits,' ChatGPT said. For mid-income families, the chatbot claimed they 'could see relief if payroll tax adjustments or retention of EV or green subsidies are part of the agenda.' And for low-income households, the chatbot predicted 'direct gains likely from restored rebates, tax credits and possibly expanded earned income tax credit, contingent on the America Party's social policy platform.' Likely Impacts Right Now While the party's platform might be interesting, it's worth pointing out that it's not even on the ballot nationwide right now. Although the America Party is trying to get started, it's initially set it's sights on a few congressional races, which wouldn't immediately push the country toward its agenda. 'Minimal direct impact on your taxes for the short-term — unless America Party candidates win seats in 2026 and influence future bills, ChatGPT said. The America Party is getting off the ground. While it's building out a platform, it has yet to win any elections. Until it gains real influence, it likely cannot influence tax policies or your taxes directly. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement This article originally appeared on I Asked ChatGPT What Elon Musk's 'America Party' Means for My Taxes, Here's What it Said
USA Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Republicans, Democrats are held captive by extremes. Americans need a new party.
Does America need a viable third political party? Republicans and Democrats alike sound off – and actually agreed on something – in our latest Opinion Forum. In June – which yes, feels like a lifetime ago – billionaire and former first buddy Elon Musk began floating the idea of an "America Party" on the social media platform he's colonized. Originally a response to President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Musk viewed as an "insane spending bill," this new third party would "actually represent the 80% in the middle" and give voters back their "freedom." It's an interesting idea – and not necessarily new. America, as we're reminded every general election, does have more than two political parties, but those splintered factions rarely result in anything of consequence. Instead, our politics are an endless ping-pong match between Republicans and Democrats – which many Americans increasingly view as two sides of the same coin. So is a true multiparty system the way forward? And is Musk, as divisive as he is, the one to lead it? Those were some of the questions we asked USA TODAY readers for our latest Forum. We heard people from each political party and found some surprising consensus. Read their responses below. A third party isn't enough. America needs an entirely new system. America doesn't just need a third party – it needs a full-spectrum awakening. The system we're living in isn't just outdated ‒ it's misaligned with the reality of who we are today. Tradition has its place, but clinging to it out of habit keeps us locked into patterns that no longer serve us. The problems we face now are wildly different from those of the past, so why are we still trying to solve them with yesterday's blueprints? We need more than another political faction; we need a radical reimagining of how representation works. For too long, our politics have been stuck in black-and-white thinking: left or right, red or blue, us versus them. The idea that one person – usually male, usually from a singular political perspective – can fully represent an entire nation is outdated. Lived experience matters. And no matter how well-intentioned he may be, a man cannot truly fight for women the way a woman can. The same goes in reverse. Each brings something vital to the table, and that's why America needs more than just a third party – it needs a shared leadership model. Your Turn: President Trump, I supported you. Release the Epstein list – or resign. | Opinion Forum Imagine a presidency not defined by solo power but co-led by two individuals with contrasting yet complementary identities ‒ say, a woman and a man from different ideological spaces. Together, they could challenge groupthink, broaden empathy and offer layered approaches to complex issues. Conflict wouldn't be avoided ‒ it'd be used as a strength to build deeper solutions. Our most marginalized voices wouldn't be tokens ‒ they'd have champions on both sides. Sure, this idea may cause some readers to flip their lids. But history has shown us that progress doesn't come wrapped in comfort. It comes when someone says 'What if?' and dares to sketch it out loud. As for Elon Musk? He didn't build with a brain ‒ he built with money. He footed bills and took credit. He couldn't hold a thought together or support his own child for being themselves. That's not genius. That's cowardice. Power without empathy is a threat, not a solution. We don't need leaders who smile for the cameras while people suffer. We need firewalls, not figureheads. If you can't fight for people without cash behind them, you don't get to represent any of us. The Republican Party is consumed by extremism and fear tactics. The Democratic Party is fractured and too often indecisive. Both chase headlines while families struggle, health care costs explode and trust erodes. Neither party centers everyday people, and that's the core failure. — Kayleisha Miller, Coal Township, Pennsylvania Our political parties have been lost to oligarchs. We need a shake-up. We need a viable third party to shake up the status quo. Both the Republican and Democratic parties are being held hostage by the extreme right and left of their parties. We need a party that is not beholden to American oligarchs. It needs to govern with common sense and realize that compromise is not a four-letter word. As a nation, we used to value these traits. Now it's a take-no-hostage era. Do you want to take part in our next Forum? Join the conversation by emailing forum@ You can also follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and sign up for our Opinion newsletter to stay updated on future Forum posts. Musk is one of the oligarchs of the United States. He is a businessman whose sole raison d'être is to make a profit. One cannot run a nation like one runs a company. Both parties are being held captive by the extreme right and left wings of their parties. The Democrats have lost their focus on the issues that mean the most to the people. They have forgotten who the working people are in this nation. They need to realize people don't want a cradle-to-grave nanny state. The Republicans have come under the spell of authoritarian governance. As much as they profess to care about the working people, they care more about the American oligarchs. — Paul Tonello, Sparks, Nevada If we had better people in power, two parties would be enough. But we don't. If there were representatives who would vote to represent the people who elected them on different issues, rather than always being in lockstep, a two-party system works very well. A multiparty system that requires different coalitions on different issues would work better than what is happening in Congress. I believe that fiscal responsibility, compassion for those in need, smaller government and stewardship of national assets would win the greatest coalition's vote. Musk's resources are important, but getting moderates from each party to be involved would be more important. Also, getting more people who are not currently involved in politics could make it very powerful. Neither party is doing anything to make the future better for our children and grandchildren. I wish we had good people instead of people who thrive on power and ego. — LaMar Stephenson, Spanish Fork, Utah It's a matter of when, not if, a third party will emerge in America The existing two-party system limits the people's choices. They coexist in a symbiotic relationship. Much like defense and plaintiff attorneys. They need each other to exist. Loyalty among the members is first to their respective party, not the Constitution. In my sphere of connections across all of America, I have yet to meet a person who does not believe a third party is a necessity. It is my belief that the time of a two-party system has passed. A new political system is a necessity. If we have a third option, more fiscally conservative and socially moderate, this country will be better served. When, not if, this happens, the legacy parties might wake up and realize they have lost touch with the American system. It is incumbent on the news media, which has also polarized, to begin an honest reporting of this movement. A third party should be fiscally conservative and socially moderate, protecting the future of America and not buying votes by borrowing from the future. The youth of America will wake up and align with a new model. Musk has the resources to overcome the start-up challenges of a viable third party. He has clearly shown his commitment to improving government and its misdirected leadership. But he is not the person to lead the party. We need a charismatic younger leader who comes from the heartland, has been in the actual world and served his country. Service in the military is important. It's too easy to place young Americans in harm's way when they have not also made that choice. Look at how few elected officials have served or have children in service. Service can take many forms that reflect their passion for serving the United States. The two parties exist to support each other. Loyalty by their members is to the party, not the country. Congress demands this loyalty. Leadership punishes those with loyalty to country above party. — Bob Jones, Dadeville, Alabama We need a political party that isn't beholden to the rich The present political parties are beholden to the rich. We need a party that also hears the people. A better party would focus on middle-class needs, education, helping college kids with their future, present and past college bills. It would focus on the environment and upholding and advancing the ideals of the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty the pursuit of happiness and equality for all. We need a party that has a little nuance on issues and looks for ways to solve problems with compromise. Our young people need affordable housing. Medical care should not be tied to employment. And we need to restore the sense of community that we have lost in some places ‒ a sense that there is something greater than me. Musk is not the person to lead a third party. He has done too much damage by reelecting President Donald Trump and with DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency. I suppose his money could be useful. The Republican Party is firmly under the control of Trump. He is corrupt, cruel and embraces chaos. The GOP should be renamed the CCCP. Most of the Democratic leaders do not know how to resist Trump. There needs to be a moral rebirth in our nation. Many are morally blind to Trump and his actions. Who are we? What does it mean to be an American? What is right and wrong? Many are under the influence of conspiracy theories and do not realize that they are being played for money. — Rick Jones, Mount Gilead, Ohio You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Elon Musk is threatening to put third-party candidates on the ballot. Democrats are giddy.
Elon Musk is promising to shake up the midterms with his own political party. Democrats aren't sweating it. Musk's yet-unfulfilled plans to form an 'America Party' could threaten Republicans already fighting to defend their seats by razor-thin margins in next year's midterms elections, Democrats argued, by siphoning off more disgruntled conservatives from Republicans than disaffected liberals from the Democrats. 'I think it leads to a better position for Democrats in what I think was already a pretty good position going into 2026,' Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said. Musk was one of President Donald Trump's biggest benefactors in the 2024 election, spending hundreds of millions to help get him and other Republicans elected. But since his break with the president, Musk has publicly called for primary challengers to Republicans who voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in addition to promising to launch his own third party. Democrats and Republicans have long complained about the spoiler effect of third parties — like the Greens or Libertarians — in close battleground races. But neither of those parties have been able to muster resources like Musk's. And new polling this week from Marquette University Law School found that 40 percent of Republicans say they would be somewhat or very likely to support an America Party candidate in their state or congressional district, as opposed to just one in four Democrats. Christina Bohannan, an Iowa Democrat who is challenging Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) for the third time next year, said adding another candidate into the mix could play a potentially decisive role in the rematch. 'This race was so close in 2024 — it came down to just 799 votes out of 413,000, and so it was literally one of the very closest races in the country,' Bohannan said. 'So anything that alters the shape of the race in terms of third-party candidates could have an impact.' The party, which Musk has not yet taken major formal steps to establish, still faces several procedural and strategic hurdles. But should he go through with it, the former Department of Government Efficiency chief suggested his party could 'laser-focus' on two to three Senate seats and eight to 10 House districts to give the third party a sizable enough presence to exercise influence over contentious legislation. Because of that narrow mandate — and Musk's particular focus on hitting Republicans on fiscal irresponsibility — the third-party bid could be a vulnerability for the GOP, said Heath Mayo, an anti-Trump conservative activist and founder of the advocacy group Principles First. 'My first reaction was, it seems pretty confined in substance,' Mayo said. 'And because of that, I think it pulls some of the following that he has that has sort of found its way into the Republican Party base.' Musk did not respond to a request for comment sent via email. Voters regularly overstate how likely they are to vote or join a third party. But recent polling suggests Americans are at least theoretically open to it. While nearly half of voters say they would consider joining a third party, only 17 percent are interested in joining a Musk-led option, according to polling from Quinnipiac University from earlier this month. But that party could pull disproportionately from the GOP, per the survey, which found that nearly three times as many Republicans as Democrats would consider joining Musk's proposed third party. Barrett Marson, a Republican political strategist in Arizona, cautioned that a libertarian-minded candidate backed by Musk could attract support from either direction, putting Democrats in battleground districts at risk too. 'If anyone can be a spoiler or at least put up a candidate who has a chance to in either direction, it's Elon Musk, because he has the drive and financial wherewithal to match it,' Marson said. Still, Musk's ability to successfully field third-party bids will be highly dependent on the particular districts he targets and the candidates he puts on the ballot, said Charlie Gerow, a Pennsylvania-based GOP operative. 'Elon Musk's money is enough to sway a significant number of elections,' Gerow said. 'But you have to look at the individual candidates and the message they run on. There's a lot of factors that will play into whether or not he's successful. I think at this stage it's hard to predict the outcome when we don't really know what he's going to do.' Even if Musk fails to get candidates on the ballot, his bad blood with Trump will be sorely felt by Republicans, who benefited massively from his largesse in 2024. Ultimately, Democrats are still confident the effort would more than likely play out to their benefit should it come to fruition, said Georgia Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey, who is gearing up for one of the most competitive Senate races next year. 'I think if something has Elon Musk's branding on it, that you're not going to attract Democrats, and you're not going to attract many independents,' Bailey said. 'I think if it's got Elon Musk branding, you're likely to attract the vast majority of right-wing Republicans, so I don't think those voters are probably that gettable for us anyway.'
