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Business Insider
an hour ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Americans are hungry for a third party — but not one created by Elon Musk
Several new polls suggest that Elon Musk is repelling potential third-party voters. While many Americans are open to a third party, far fewer are interested in one created by Musk. The polling also found that Musk's party would draw more support from the GOP than the Democrats. People have complained about America's two-party system for decades, and many voters say they would consider supporting a third party — as long as Elon Musk wasn't involved. New polling suggests that potential third-party voters aren't interested in what Musk's"America Party" may be offering, and the Tesla CEO might be the problem. Three polls released this week found the same general pattern. According to YouGov, 45% of Americans believe a third party is necessary, but just 11% would consider joining a Musk-founded party. Per Quinnipiac University, 49% of Americans say they would consider joining a third party, while just 17% say they're interested in one created by Musk. A CNN poll found that 63% of Americans would favor a third party, a figure that drops to just 25% when Musk is involved. All three polls included more than 1,000 respondents and were conducted in early to mid-July. The aversion to Musk-led party may be driven in part by independent voters, according to Quinnipiac. 75% of independents say they would consider joining a third party, a figure that drops to just 22% when the question is about a Musk-formed party. It's also driven by Democratic-leaning voters' distaste for Musk, whose past political alliance with President Donald Trump and creation of DOGE sharply polarized the left against him. According to Quinnipac, 39% of registered Democrats say they would consider joining a third party, while just 6% are interested in Musk's hypothetical party. That also indicates that a Musk-created party would draw more from the right than the left. YouGov found a similar pattern to Quinnipiac, with 15% of Republicans saying they'd consider supporting a Musk-founded third party while just 6% of Democrats said the same. The world's richest man first floated the idea of forming a third party as Republicans in Congress worked to pass the "Big Beautiful Bill," a sprawling piece of legislation at the center of Trump's domestic agenda. Musk objected to the bill's impact on the deficit, as well as the scaling back of renewable energy subsidies and tax credits. Weeks after his relationship with Trump exploded in an epic feud and after the bill made it to Trump's desk, Musk declared that he would move forward with forming the party. It's been about two weeks since then, and Musk has yet to take more formal steps to actually establish a new political party. It also remains unclear exactly what the party's platform would be, though deficit reduction would likely be a key focus.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Donald Trump's Approval Rating Plunges with America's Richest
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump is experiencing a sharp decline in support among high-income Americans, according to new polling. New polling from The Economist/YouGov shows a drop in the president's approval among those earning over $100,000 — a shift that appears tied to economic unease and growing dissatisfaction with his policy agenda. Why It Matters Wealthier voters have long been a core part of the Republican base, drawn to the party's promises of tax cuts and deregulation. But economic anxiety from Trump's sweeping tariff expansion and accelerating inflation— appears to be contributing to the decline in support among wealthier voters. Economic Anxiety is Undercutting Trump's Base In May, Trump's approval among six-figure earners was nearly evenly split, with 47 percent approving and 49 percent disapproving. By June, that margin had widened to -5 net approval. The latest July data shows the gap has grown even further: just 44 percent approve of Trump's performance, while 54 percent disapprove — a net -10 rating. The erosion in support comes as voters face higher costs and market volatility stemming from Trump's tariff expansions. High profile billionaires spoke out against Trump's tariffs when they were first announced in April. Hedge fund managers such as Bill Ackman and Dan Loeb vocally criticized the tariffs, while Republican billionaires like Ken Langone, the founder of Home Depot, and Ken Griffin, the found of Citadel, spoke out and called them a "huge policy mistake". Prices remained relatively stable in the spring as many of Trump's tariffs were paused, but inflation started increasing in may and has accelerated in June. Annual inflation rose 2.7 percent in June, up from 2.4 percent in May, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Americans now face an average tariff rate of 18.7 percent, the highest since 1933, according to the Yale Budget Lab. Approval of his handling of Trump's handling of the economy has declined, with net approval on jobs and the economy falling from -3 in May to -9 in July among those earning over $100,000. Approval of Trump's handling of inflation has also slipped, from 43 percent in May to 41 percent in July — while disapproval has risen to 58 percent. That reflects growing frustration, even as perceptions of the broader economy remain relatively flat: 43 percent now say the economy is getting worse, compared to 45 percent in May. Personal financial sentiment remains muted. Only 25 percent of wealthier voters say their finances have improved since May — a modest rise from 21 percent — while nearly half (47 percent) report no change, and 26 percent say they're worse off. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP Trump's approval has also continued to fall among the richest despite the signing of his "Big Beautiful Bill", which comes with sweeping tax cuts for many of America's highest earners. 70 percent of the value of the tax cuts will be given to the top 20 percent of earners, according to analysis by non-partisan think tank the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Despite this, the bill is underwater with upper-income voters: 41 percent approve, while 53 percent disapprove. Epstein Backlash Impacts High-Income Voters as Well Optimism about the country's direction continues to fade. In July, only 41 percent of wealthy voters said the U.S. is on the right track — down from 44 percent in May — while 48 percent say it's headed in the wrong direction. Other actions by the Trump administration also seem to be eroding his standing with high-income voters. 66 percent of high-income voters believe the government has not disclosed all evidence in the Epstein case, though it is unclear how this sentiment affects views on Trump specifically. It comes as polls have shown Trump's approval ratings at an all time low following the fallout from the Epstein case. That includes Newsweek's tracker, which shows Trump's approval rating at an all time low, with 43 percent approving and 54 percent disapproving. The Wall Street Journal, reported this week that Trump sent Epstein a birthday card in 2003 with a drawing of a naked woman with the words "we have certain things in common" and wishing him "may every day be another wonderful secret." Trump denied writing the note and claimed the story was "false, malicious and defamatory." Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice put out a memo last week confirming earlier findings that Epstein was not murdered and died by suicide in 2019 in his Manhattan jail cell. It also said the government was not in possession of a client list. Last week's memo threw a wrench into years of conspiracy theories spread by Trump's MAGA base—and amplified by some administration officials—alleging that Epstein was murdered and that his death was covered up by the government. The uproar from MAGA infuriated the president, who called his supporters "weaklings" who got "duped" by the Epstein "hoax," which he falsely claimed was started by Democrats. He later softened his tone and said he would be in favor of the DOJ releasing "credible" evidence related to Epstein but urged his base to move on from the controversy.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Scrambles to Create a Distraction From Epstein Files
Donald Trump is desperate for anything to distract the angry mob seeking answers on alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Now, he's hoping to toss them some dirt on Hillary Clinton—too bad nobody cares about that. During an appearance Wednesday on Real America's Voice, Just the News founder John Solomon reported that Trump was open to declassifying information tied to conspiracy theories about the former secretary of state. One piece was the classified annex of Inspector General Michael Horowitz's 2018 report on the FBI's actions ahead of the 2016 election. The missing annex had become the center of right-wing conspiracies that the FBI had ignored credible information of Clinton's wrongdoing in the investigation of her private email server. When asked if he'd declassify the annex, Trump told Just the News, 'I would do that.' 'Absolutely. I think it should be looked at. The whole thing was a scam. I would do that broadly,' Trump said. Trump also indicated he was open to declassifying another classified annex from Special Counsel John Durham's 2023 report, which supposedly contained evidence that Clinton had approved a proposal to 'vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security services.' 'I would declassify it, yeah. Why not?' Trump told Just the News. 'I would absolutely declassify it.' But Trump's promises are far from an actual commitment. Trump had previously pledged the 'total declassification of any & all documents' related to Russiagate and Clinton's use of a private email server during his first term, but attorneys from the Department of Justice told the Office of White House Council to simply disregard the president's hollow threat. Trump has been increasingly desperate to redirect the massive backlash over his administration's toothless findings in its investigation into Epstein, which produced no additional documents and found that the sex offender kept no incriminating 'client list,' even though his attorney general claimed one had been sitting on her desk. The president posted a furious rant on Truth Social Tuesday, saying that any of his followers who were interested in the Epstein case were falling for Democratic 'bullshit,' and compared it to the 'totally fake and made up story used in order to hide Crooked Hillary Clinton's big loss in the 2016 Presidential Election.' Similarly to Russia's interference in the 2016 election, Trump now claims that Epstein files are a 'hoax.' Unfortunately for Trump, Americans don't care about Clinton's emails nearly as much as they care about his own administration's scandal: Signalgate, the infamous use of a non-secure messaging app by several top Cabinet officials to discuss sensitive war plans. After Signalgate, a YouGov survey found that nearly 75 percent of respondents believed the scandal was 'very' or 'somewhat' serious. After Clinton's email scandal in 2015, YouGov found that 56 percent of respondents thought the issue was 'very serious' and 'somewhat serious.' By 2022, people had become more concerned, but only 62 percent saw it as 'very serious' or 'somewhat serious,' likely at least in part resulting from Trump's constant griping about it. Meanwhile, a Quinnpac Poll published Wednesday found that 63 percent of American voters disapprove of the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files. Trump's looking for anything at all that can distract the angry mob. Just in case the almond moms were sharpening their pitchforks, Trump even promised that he would get real sugar added to Coca Cola instead of high fructose corn syrup. Now there's something everyone can get behind!
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
CBS News poll: Most Americans favor U.S. returning to moon, going to Mars
There is a lot of public favor for the idea of the U.S. returning to the moon, and also for eventually going to Mars. About two-thirds do, while a third does not. Younger Americans who are not old enough to remember the first moon landing are especially in favor, perhaps looking forward to seeing that exploration in their lifetimes. These views generally cut across ideological and party lines, as well. The first moon landing in 1969 continues to loom large in the public mind, all these years on — a big majority says it was worth doing, while just under a quarter says it was not. Views were comparable back when this was asked at the 40th and 50th anniversaries of it, too. That may be partly because, in general, Americans tend to think the space program adds at least somewhat to feelings of national pride. People tend to think it also contributes some — if not necessarily a lot — to technological contributions from which everyone can benefit. This CBS News/YouGov survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,404 U.S. adults interviewed between June 18-23, 2025. The sample was weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to gender, age, race, and education, based on the U.S. Census American Community Survey and Current Population Survey, as well as 2024 presidential vote. The margin of error is ±2.6 points. Toplines Wall Street Journal reports Trump sent "bawdy" birthday letter to Epstein, Trump threatens to sue Medical expert on Trump's chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis President Trump sues WSJ publisher, Rupert Murdoch over Epstein letter story Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Most Americans think Trump administration is covering up evidence in Epstein case, new poll finds
Most Americans think the Trump administration is covering up evidence in the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's federal case, according to a new poll. A poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov from July 11 to 14 found 67 percent of Americans believe the government is hiding evidence related to the late financier, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges related to the sexual abuse of dozens of minor girls. He had pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida charges of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution. After Epstein's death — which the Justice Department and FBI confirmed was a suicide in a memo released earlier this month — conspiracy theories swirled about the late financier's life, including the powerful people who are speculated to have partaken in his crimes. Conspiracy theorists also weren't convinced Epstein killed himself. The feds' memo also said there was never any Epstein client list and, 'There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions.' Most Americans think the Trump administration is covering up evidence in convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's federal case, according to a new poll () Only 8 percent of respondents in the new poll believe the government is not covering up evidence about Epstein, while 25 percent are unsure. When asked if the government should release all documents relating to the feds' Epstein case, 79 percent of respondents said it should. Only 5 percent said the government shouldn't release the files, and 17 percent were unsure. The feds' memo sparked backlash from Trump's base, who were promised the Epstein files. In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News evidence of a client list was 'sitting on my desk right now to review.' In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News evidence of a client list was 'sitting on my desk right now to review' () When the feds' evidence came up short, people started to ask questions. 'They've got videotape and all a sudden they don't,' Podcaster Joe Rogan said on his show Tuesday. Rogan name-dropped Bondi, saying, 'Why'd they say there was thousands of hours of tapes of people doing horrible s***? Why'd they say that? Didn't [Attorney General] Pam Bondi say that?' Bondi told reporters in May, 'There are tens of thousands of videos of Epstein with children or child porn and there are hundreds of victims,' according to the Miami Herald. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges related to the sexual abuse of dozens of minor girls (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP) The feds' memo said there was 'a large volume of images of Epstein, images and videos of victims who are either minors or appear to be minors, and over ten thousand downloaded videos and images of illegal child sex abuse material and other pornography.' But the memo fell short of incriminating anyone else who may have been associated with Epstein. Trump had socialized with Epstein decades ago when he was a New York real estate mogul. The president was accused of being on Epstein's client list by tech billionaire Elon Musk, whose relationship with the president turned sour after his short stint at the White House, leading the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk did not provide any evidence to prove Trump was on any suspected list. Trump had socialized with Epstein decades ago when he was a New York real estate mogul (NBC News) House Democrats tried to advance a procedural motion that would have cleared the way for lawmakers to vote to release the Epstein files, but Republicans blocked it on Tuesday. When asked about the memo at a recent Cabinet meeting, Trump said, 'Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years.' 'I mean, I can't believe you're asking a question on Epstein at a time like this, where we're having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas. It just seems like a desecration,' Trump said, referring to the July 4 flooding disaster along the Guadalupe River. Trump defended Bondi to reporters Tuesday, saying she handled the review of the Epstein files 'very well.' When asked if his name appeared in any documents, he said, 'No.' Solve the daily Crossword
