Musk slows third-party push, keeps GOP ties, may back Vance

Elon Musk has effectively slowed his push to form a third political party in the United States, telling close associates that he intends to focus on his companies and avoid alienating influential Republicans. At the same time, he remains compared to his earlier stance with Vice President JD Vance and has signaled that he could still back Vance politically in 2028 if the opportunity arises. The development comes after Musk publicly unveiled the America Party in July as an alternative for voters dissatisfied with the two major parties, but the momentum behind a new party appears to have cooled as the 2026 midterm cycle approaches.

The initial move to launch the America Party followed a public dispute over a tax-cut and spending package, a moment when Musk framed his political maneuver as a bid to restore voters’ freedom. Since then, those close to Musk say he has been careful to preserve relationships with Republican figures who could be pivotal to his business interests and policy priorities. In particular, he has sought to maintain a working relationship with Vance, who has urged Musk to rejoin the Republican fold after a period of public friction. Musk has acknowledged to...