U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly criticized Elon Musk’s newly announced political initiative, the “America Party,” describing the billionaire entrepreneur as an unpopular figure within the Trump administration and questioning his political ambitions.
In an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Bessent acknowledged the popularity of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump-era initiative Musk once led to downsize the federal bureaucracy. However, Bessent was blunt about Musk’s standing during his tenure in government: “If you looked at the polling, Elon was not [popular],” he said.
Musk announced the launch of the America Party on July 5, one day after President Donald Trump signed a sweeping tax and spending bill into law. The legislation is projected to add at least $3.3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade. Musk has been increasingly critical of the bill, calling it fiscally irresponsible, and accused both political parties of contributing to government waste and corruption.
“When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste and graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,” Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
Bessent, in turn, dismissed Musk’s political endeavor as a distraction from his core strengths in business. “I believe that the boards of directors at his various companies wanted him to come back and run those companies, which he is better at than anyone,” Bessent said, suggesting corporate leaders would pressure Musk to abandon political aspirations and focus on his leadership roles at Tesla and SpaceX.
Poll numbers appear to reflect a dip in Musk’s public favorability. A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed only 30% of American voters view Musk favorably. Among Republicans, support has fallen from 78% in March to 62% last month.
The tension between Bessent and Musk dates back to Musk’s time as a federal advisor, when internal clashes reportedly culminated in a physical altercation at the White House. According to multiple sources, Musk shoved Bessent during a heated dispute, escalating their long-standing rivalry.
Musk’s relationship with President Trump has also cooled in recent weeks. The billionaire has publicly criticized both Trump and GOP congressional leaders for pushing a tax bill he sees as dangerously expanding the national debt. Republican officials, on the other hand, maintain the legislation will drive economic growth.
As Musk launches the America Party, its policy platform remains unclear. Still, the move underscores growing divisions within conservative circles as prominent figures like Musk seek to redefine the political landscape outside traditional party lines.