Ruthless Podcast

Will Elon Musk’s “America” Party End in Disaster?

5 snips
Jul 8, 2025
In this discussion, Josh Dawsey, a Wall Street Journal reporter who covers the Trump administration, explores the implications of an Elon Musk-backed 'America' party. He dives into the potential winners and losers in U.S. politics, questioning Musk's political understanding and the future of third-party movements. The conversation also touches on the bizarre 'kill the gringo' protests and Hakeem Jeffries’ notable photoshop blunder. With humor and sharp analysis, Dawsey offers insights from his new book about Trump's resurgent influence in American politics.
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INSIGHT

Elon Musk’s America Party Could Hand Victory to Democrats

The formation of an Elon Musk-backed "America Party" is likely to pull votes away from Republicans and unintentionally benefit Democrats, according to the Ruthless Podcast panel.

They argue that third parties in the U.S. historically fail to gain traction but do cause disruption that tends to harm the right-leaning side.

The panel points out Musk’s misunderstanding of American politics, emphasizing his short political experience and tendency to misinterpret complex political dynamics.

The biggest consequence of such a third party could be Democratic control of Congress, which leads to increased government spending and fewer conservative policy impacts.

Quotes highlight concerns, such as "the practical impact of a third party ... is Democrats win in the midterm," and that Musk’s ambition exceeded what he could accomplish, leading to destabilization of the GOP.

INSIGHT

Risks of Musk's America Party

  • Elon Musk's attempt to start a third party stems from frustration over spending bills and perceived failures in conservative politics.
  • Third parties in the US historically disrupt Republican votes, often benefiting Democrats instead.
INSIGHT

Social Media Distorts Political Reality

  • Elon Musk may be losing perspective due to social media echo chambers and feedback loops.
  • His political ambitions vastly overestimate what he can realistically achieve in US politics.
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