Elon Musk Pauses ‘America Party’ Plans, Signals Backing for JD Vance in 2028

Elon Musk has shifted gears in his political ambitions, putting his third-party project on hold and instead positioning himself as a key backer of Vice President JD Vance’s expected 2028 presidential run.

Musk had previously floated the idea of launching the “America Party” after departing the White House, a move that promised to disrupt the long-standing dominance of Democrats and Republicans.

But sources now say Musk has shelved that plan, opting instead to throw his weight behind Vance as Republicans prepare for a high-stakes presidential contest.

According to people close to him, Musk concluded that a third-party bid risked splintering the Republican base and weakening Vance’s chances against Democrats in 2028.

The billionaire reportedly told allies that he has been in recent contact with Vance and intends to endorse and financially support his campaign if the vice president makes a formal bid for the presidency.

Musk as a Disruptor in 2028 Politics

Republican leaders are likely breathing a sigh of relief. Musk’s proposed America Party had raised alarms within GOP circles, as it threatened to field candidates in the 2026 midterms and potentially unseat sitting Republican lawmakers.

Such a move could have fractured party unity at a time when control of Congress is already on a knife’s edge.

Prediction markets such as Polymarket currently project a Republican majority in the Senate but a Democratic win in the House for the 2026 elections.

Without Musk’s third-party challenge, the GOP avoids an additional source of volatility ahead of that vote.

The Trump-Musk Rift

Musk’s flirtation with starting a new political movement stems from his widening rift with former President Donald Trump.

Earlier this year, Musk publicly opposed Trump’s $3.3 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” arguing it undermined his previous cost-cutting role at the Department of Government Efficiency.

Trump fired back, mocking Musk’s third-party ambitions and accusing him of having gone “off the rails.” The feud quickly captured national headlines and spurred speculation that Musk might mount an independent challenge to both parties.

Financial markets were also rattled. When Musk polled users on X (formerly Twitter) about forming a new political party, Tesla shares plunged more than 20%, reflecting investor anxiety over his growing political entanglements.

What Comes Next

For now, Musk appears focused on leveraging his influence within the Republican fold rather than outside of it. Polymarket data currently gives Vance a 53% chance of securing the GOP nomination in 2028, and a 28% implied probability of winning the general election.

Musk has scaled back his direct political donations—after previously contributing $250 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign—but insiders say he has not completely abandoned the idea of reviving the America Party.

The 2026 midterms could serve as a testing ground if Republican prospects falter.Even with his new strategy, Musk remains one of the most unpredictable and disruptive figures in U.S. politics.

Whether backing Vance or reconsidering his own political movement, his influence is set to shape the landscape heading into both the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race.