By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Elon Musk has ignited a political firestorm after calling for the creation of a new centrist political party in the United States.
In a viral poll posted on his platform, X, the billionaire tech mogul asked users if it was time to establish a party representing the “80% in the middle.” With 80% of respondents voting yes, Musk declared, “The people have spoken… this is fate.”
The announcement coincided with a sharp rebuke of former President Donald Trump. Musk claimed, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” a statement that triggered swift backlash. Trump responded on Truth Social, accusing Musk of disloyalty and threatening to strip Tesla and SpaceX of lucrative federal contracts and subsidies. “The easiest way to save billions in the budget is to terminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts,” Trump wrote.
The feud marks a dramatic shift in a once-close relationship. Musk was a visible supporter of Trump, forming a political action committee to aid his campaign after a failed assassination attempt last year. He appeared at rallies, wore MAGA hats, and even joined Trump at Cabinet meetings and on Air Force One.
Now, that alliance has deteriorated into a public and personal standoff, with significant political and business consequences. Musk’s centrist push challenges the current two-party structure and signals his ambition to reshape American politics. At the same time, Trump’s threats could jeopardize Musk’s federal partnerships, raising the stakes in a feud playing out on social media and across the political landscape.
