Elon Musk, the tech titan with a penchant for shaking up the status quo, has reportedly pivoted from launching a bold third-party challenge to potentially backing a familiar MAGA face in 2028.
Breitbart reported that Musk initially planned to form the American Party to rival Republicans and the MAGA movement, only to reconsider and focus on supporting Vice President JD Vance’s possible presidential run in the coming years.
In early July 2025, Musk declared his intent to create the American Party, positioning it as a direct challenge to the GOP and the MAGA base for the 2028 election.
His vision was clear and ambitious. But, as the Wall Street Journal notes, “Musk has told allies that he wants to focus his attention on his companies,” suggesting a pragmatic retreat from political disruption.
Let’s unpack that quote—Musk’s focus on his companies over party-building smells like a savvy dodge of GOP backlash. If you’re a conservative, you might appreciate the instinct to avoid splitting the vote against a progressive agenda. Still, it’s hard not to wonder if Musk’s heart was ever fully in the third-party game.
Musk’s own words on X were fiery at the outset, proclaiming, “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.” That’s a rallying cry for anyone fed up with government bloat. Yet, cooling on the idea shows even billionaires can’t escape political gravity.
Before this shift, Musk was a key figure in President Trump’s White House, often likened to a trusted family member. He even spearheaded the DOGE initiative to audit federal waste, fraud, and abuse at significant personal cost. That’s the kind of fiscal hawkishness conservatives cheer, even if it ruffles establishment feathers.
But cracks soon appeared in Musk’s relationship with Trump, starting with a reported clash involving Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Tensions escalated over a piece of legislation dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” in summer 2025, which Musk slammed as wasteful spending. For those wary of unchecked budgets, Musk’s stand likely resonated.
The breaking point came when Musk took to X, launching personal attacks on Trump tied to debunked claims about the Jeffrey Epstein Files.
He later apologized and deleted the post, but the damage was done. Trump’s retaliatory threat to cancel Musk’s government contracts was a stark reminder that loyalty in politics cuts both ways.
For conservatives, this feud is a cautionary tale about the fragility of alliances in a movement as personality-driven as MAGA.
Musk’s apology might have mended some fences, but it’s clear the trust took a hit. Still, his earlier $300 million investment in Trump and other Republicans shows a commitment that can’t be easily dismissed.
Now, Musk appears to be recalibrating, maintaining close ties with Vice President JD Vance, often seen as the heir to the MAGA mantle.
Reports suggest Vance, backed by Trump’s considerable political prowess, could be a shoo-in for the 2028 Republican nomination barring major economic or geopolitical crises. That’s a prospect many on the right would welcome with open arms.
The Wall Street Journal reports, “Musk and his associates have told people close to him that he is considering using some of his vast financial resources to back Vance.”
If true, this could signal a powerhouse partnership. After all, pairing Musk’s deep pockets with Vance’s political skill is the kind of combo that could steamroll over progressive policies.
Vance himself is described as one of the most adept politicians in the game, with Trump’s endorsement adding serious weight. For conservatives tired of establishment squishiness, Vance represents a chance to cement MAGA’s future. Musk’s potential support only sweetens the deal.
For the right, the takeaway is clear: unity might trump idealism in the fight against big-government overreach. Musk’s journey—from Trump insider to critic to potential Vance backer—shows the messy, human side of political strategy. Here’s hoping this latest move prioritizes results over drama.