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Politico
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
5 bumps on Musk's road to a third party
Presented by Welcome to POLITICO's West Wing Playbook: Remaking Government, your guide to Donald Trump's unprecedented overhaul of the federal government — the key decisions, the critical characters and the power dynamics that are upending Washington and beyond. Send tips | Subscribe | Email Sophia | Email Irie | Email Ben | Email Holly LATEST: The Supreme Court ruled today that the Trump administration can move forward with its plans to fire tens of thousands of federal workers, our JOSH GERSTEIN and HASSAN ALI KANU report. A judge in California had previously blocked the layoffs, finding that they likely violated the law. But the high court granted an emergency appeal from the administration seeking permission to enforce its Feb. 11 executive order instructing agencies to enact significant 'reductions in force.' In an apparent 8-1 ruling, the court said it was not assessing the legality of any particular agency's layoffs plans. Litigation over the downsizing efforts is sure to continue. But the justices said, for now, the administration can enforce the order. Justice KETANJI BROWN JACKSON was the only justice to record a dissent, saying President DONALD TRUMP is unleashing a 'wrecking ball' on the federal government. EASIER SAID THAN DONE: ELON MUSK has bragged that upending America's two-party system will be easy. 'Not hard tbh,' he wrote on his social media site X. But take it from those who have tried: It will be an arduous, time-consuming and expensive task. 'It's a massive undertaking to start a national political party,' said OLIVER HALL, founder and executive director for the Center for Competitive Democracy, which mostly helps minor-party candidates work through legal barriers. Here are five challenges Musk will face in creating the aspirational 'America Party,' according to leaders of third parties and the operatives who have worked for them. 1. Getting on the ballot is, by far, the biggest hurdle that experts identified. Third parties have to navigate a set of complex laws, each of which differ by state, to simply obtain a place on the ballot. Then they have to work to keep it. The process entails amassing a large number of signatures from voters who back your party in a short amount of time — and, to make matters more complicated, some deadlines overlap in different states. 'Stepping in as a third party is difficult and it's not just difficult due to name recognition and everything else. It's mostly due to ballot access,' said STEVEN NEKHAILA, chair of the Libertarian National Committee. 'Ballot access is something that takes decades to accrue because you need the state party infrastructure to facilitate it, you need to get tens of thousands of signatures to meet the thresholds, and oftentimes you only have a few months to do it.' 2. Musk is going to get sued and sued some more. LARRY OTTER, an election law attorney who advised ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.'s 2024 campaign, said Musk's party will 'definitely be viewed as a spoiler' by Republicans and that they will work hard to prevent him from winning a line on the ballot. Musk should be prepared to have the signatures his team collects challenged to the hilt, Otter said. Looking at just one state, Pennsylvania, he said, there is typically a '30 percent error rate' there in petitions for ballot access. 3. Recruiting candidates and building party infrastructure takes time. As the richest man in the world, Musk could easily fund a wide-ranging party operation in 50 states. But will he stay interested in his new cause for long enough to see it through? 'The greatest challenge for him is not money but finding petitioners, finding people and fighting lawsuits,' Nekhaila said. 'It's more time that's going to be a precious resource than money.' Musk has floated the possibility of initially zeroing in on 'just 2 or 3 Senate seats' and '8 to 10 House districts' in the 2026 midterm elections. Narrowing his focus would make it a 'totally different strategy,' and more doable, Nekhaila said. 4. Few experts are familiar with starting a new party — and some less-than-professional characters abound in the third-party strategist world. 'One of the things that independents rely on are professional circulators,' said Otter, referring to operatives who are paid to collect signatures. 'I've seen stuff go really bad with those people.' Sometimes, circulating companies bring in inexperienced workers and people from out of state who are unfamiliar with local laws, he said. 5. And then there's Musk. First Musk torched his reputation with Democratic (and Tesla-buying) voters. Now that he's feuding with Trump, he's frustrating many in the GOP. Will candidates want to associate themselves with his party? Will staff — especially those who want to stay involved in the Republican Party? Musk could keep a distance by funding independent candidates through a super PAC, but does he have the discipline to not get personally involved? MESSAGE US — West Wing Playbook is obsessively covering the Trump administration's reshaping of the federal government. Are you a federal worker? A DOGE staffer? Have you picked up on any upcoming DOGE moves? We want to hear from you on how this is playing out. Email us at westwingtips@ Did someone forward this email to you? Subscribe! POTUS PUZZLER What was former President RONALD REAGAN's review of the movie '9 to 5'? (Answer at bottom.) Agenda Setting REGRETS, REGRETS: Trump said today that he may have taken a different approach to DOGE than Musk, his adviser-turned-critic, Ben reports. 'I would have done it differently, a little bit, maybe,' he said during a Cabinet meeting. He did not provide details as to where he would have diverged from Musk. Trump praised DOGE for its massive staff cuts, specifically to the Environmental Protection Agency, where more than 1,300 employees have left through the administration's deferred resignation program. He also dismissed concerns over Musk's move to establish a new 'America First' party. 'I think it'll help us,' he said. 'Third parties have always been good for me. I don't know about Republicans, but for me.' AN UNPRECEDENTED RATE: The Education Department has dismissed civil rights complaints at such a rapid rate this year that officials and advocates are concerned about a core agency function amid the administration's sweeping cuts, our BIANCA QUILANTAN, REBECCA CARBALLO and JUAN PEREZ JR. report. The department disclosed in court documents filed last week that its Office for Civil Rights dismissed 3,424 complaints between March 11 and June 27. The documents state that 96 complaints were 'resolved' because of insufficient evidence during an investigation — and another 290 complaints with voluntary agreements, settlements or technical assistance. 'That amount of dismissals in a three-month period is unheard of,' said a former OCR official. 'If they dismiss that amount of cases in a matter of three months, then they're not following the procedures.' The Education Department declined to answer a series of detailed questions about its civil rights work but said all of OCR's actions align with federal law. ZIP, ZERO, ZILCH: The Trump administration is allocating $0 for the budget of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board starting in 2026, and industry groups are pushing back, NYT's HIROKO TABUCHI reports. The small federal agency has a reputation for collaborating with companies, said SHAKEEL H. KADRI, executive director of the Center for Chemical Process Safety, an industry-funded organization that works on safety issues. 'It has a unique mandate to do independent investigations,' Kadri said. The board's findings are also used by the companies and in academia, he said. In its budget request, the White House said that the board duplicates capabilities of other agencies to produce 'unprompted studies' of the chemicals industry. In the Courts CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM SHRUGGED OFF: A federal judge reluctantly dismissed a lawsuit on Monday that sought to reinstate more than $820 million in criminal justice grants that the Trump administration abruptly terminated, including money for training law enforcement, supporting victims of trafficking and combating gun violence, Hassan writes in. The case was brought by the Vera Institute of Justice — which was previously targeted by DOGE — and a number of other criminal justice reform groups. Judge AMIT MEHTA said the decision to rescind the grants will likely harm vulnerable communities, but the judge ruled that he cannot order federal agencies to pay out the previously awarded money. That's because the claims are essentially contractual disputes, Mehta wrote, so the lawsuit belongs in the specialized U.S. Court of Federal Claims. WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT ON CLIMATE CHANGE … The Department of Energy has hired at least three scientists who reject the overwhelming consensus on climate change, NYT's MAXINE JOSELOW reports. The scientists are listed as current employees on the department's internal email system: Administration officials have also begun recruiting scientists to help them repeal the 2009 'endangerment finding,' which determined that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare. What We're Reading Flood predictions could worsen when Trump's cuts take hold (POLITICO's E&E News' Scott Waldman and Chelsea Harvey) RFK Jr. promoted a food company he says will make Americans healthy. Their meals are ultraprocessed (AP's Amanda Seitz and Jonel Aleccia) Gabbard's team has sought spy agency data to enforce Trump's agenda (WaPo's Ellen Nakashima, Warren P. Strobel and Aaron Schaffer) Trump's New Favorite General (The Atlantic's Mark Bowden) A Marco Rubio impostor is using AI voice to call high-level officials (WaPo's John Hudson and Hannah Natanson) POTUS PUZZLER ANSWER Reagan, a former actor, watched the movie with former first lady NANCY REAGAN on Valentine's Day 1981. Although he said the movie, starring DOLLY PARTON, JANE FONDA and LILY TOMLIN, was 'funny,' he said that one scene 'made me mad,' according to a diary entry. 'A truly funny scene if the 3 gals had played getting drunk but no they had to get stoned on pot,' he wrote. 'It was an endorsement of Pot smoking for any young person who sees the picture.'
Engadget
06-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
Elon Musk's proposed America Party is already attracting the attention of the ultra-rich
Just a day after former White House advisor Elon Musk claimed on X that he's creating a new political party in the US, some deep-pocketed figures have offered support and potential interest. Replying to an X post that said the America Party would offer "independence from the two-party system," billionaire Mark Cuban and investment banker Anthony Scaramucci both replied to Musk, providing some possible next steps. After celebrating the America Party announcement post with emojis, Cuban said that he works with the Center for Competitive Democracy and could help get Musk's party on ballots. Scaramucci also responded on X, saying he would "like to meet to discuss." To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the "Content and social-media partners" setting to do so. Scaramucci previously served as the White House communications director in 2017 during Trump's first term before being dismissed 10 days in. The former Trump ally has since crossed to the other side of the political aisle and supported both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaigns. Similarly, Cuban previously supported Harris and was even tied to the Democratic candidate as a potential running mate. While there are still plenty of questions about Musk's proposed political party that comes after a hostile fallout with Trump, the Tesla CEO's post on X indicated that it would focus on taking over "two or three Senate seats and eight to 10 House districts." It's unclear if Musk has already filed the necessary paperwork to officially establish the America Party. The latest filings with the Federal Election Commission show several documents that reference Musk's new party, but the veracity of these is questionable, and they sit alongside a slew of apparent joke filings, including the "American Meme Party," "The Diddy Party" and "The DOGE Party."
Mint
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Elon Musk's new America Party sparks support and bitter backlash. Check the list of who's backing him and who's not
Elon Musk's America Party has quickly become a lightning rod for both interest and controversy, with prominent figures including Mark Cuban and Anthony Scaramucci signaling early curiosity—and some Trump allies already lashing out. After Musk announced the creation of the 'America Party' on X (formerly Twitter), billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban chimed in with an encouraging reply. Cuban wrote: 'I work with [Center for Competitive Democracy]. They will help you get on ballots. That is their mission.' The Center for Competitive Democracy is known for helping independent candidates qualify for state ballots, underscoring that Musk's effort could quickly become a serious logistical operation. Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as Donald Trump's White House communications director in 2017, also expressed interest. In a short post, Scaramucci said: 'I would like to meet to discuss.' Other tech and social media personalities voiced enthusiasm, including Brian Krassenstein, who asked: 'Awesome! Where can we see more information?' While some were excited, Trump's allies were swift to condemn Musk's move. On his podcast The War Room, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon launched an especially personal attack: 'The buffoon. Elmo the Mook, formerly known as Elon Musk, Elmo the Mook. He's today, in another smear, and this—only a foreigner could do this—think about it, he's got up on Twitter right now, a poll about starting an America Party, a non-American starting an America Party.' Bannon added: 'No, brother, you're not an American. You're a South African. We take enough time and prove the facts of that, you should be deported because it's a crime of what you did—among many.' Trump ally Laura Loomer speculated that well-known conservatives like Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Thomas Massie could side with Musk. Musk's decision follows a feud with Donald Trump over what is called "One Big Beautiful Bill'—a tax and spending package. Musk recently severed ties with the Trump White House, where he had been tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. On Saturday, Musk formalised the split, posting: 'Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.' He cited a July 4 poll of his followers in which 65.4% supported forming a new party. Although Musk, a foreign-born US citizen, cannot run for President himself, he is legally allowed to bankroll third-party candidates and help them get on the ballot in all 50 states. And, the America Party could immediately complicate both Republican and Democratic strategies in the 2026 midterms.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Who will join Elon Musk's America Party? Mark Cuban offers help, Anthony Scaramucci says, 'My DMs are...'
Elon Musk announced his new America Party but it's not clear whether he would lead the party. Two unlikely allies showed interest after Elon Musk announced the launch of his new America Party in an attempt to break the two-party system of US politics following his disenchantment with President Donald Trump over the 'Big, Beautiful Bill'. Musk had already lost all hope with the Democrats and switched his allegiance to the GOP after years of being loyal to the Democrats. A Democratic billionaire who is mostly at odds with Elon Musk and who backed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, Mark Cuban was one of the first prominent figures to respond to Elon Musk. Cuban said Center for Competitive Democracy could get Elon Musk's new party on ballots. "I work with @voterchoice (Center for Competitive Democracy). They will help you get on ballots," Cuban added. "That is their mission." Former member of Trump's first administration Anthony Scaramucci, who also endorsed Kamala Harris, offered his assistance. "I would like to meet to discuss," he responded to Elon. "My DMs are open," he added. Both Mark Cuban and Anthony Scaramucci responded to Elon Musk's post announcing the formation of the America Party in which Elon wrote: "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom." It is not yet known whether the America Party is officially registered or not. It's not clear whether Elon Musk would be the face of the party, himself; as he can't run the presidential election as he was not born in the US. Tucker Carlson, MTG or Thomas Massie? Trump ally Laura Loomer came up with her interesting prediction that Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie will join Elon Musk -- as all three of them had a beef with Trump. Thomas Massie vehemently opposed the spending bill which was the flashpoint between Musk and Trump while Tucker Carlson and Greene were opposed to US dropping bombs on Iran's nuclear facilities.
