Andrew Yang, former Democratic presidential hopeful and co‑founder of the centrist Forward Party, has confirmed he’s been in direct contact with Elon Musk regarding Musk’s announcement of a new “America Party.” Yang expressed excitement, stating he’s “happy to help give someone a sense of what the path looks like” for building a viable third-party alternative to the entrenched two-party system.
Musk unveiled the America Party on July 5, 2025, via X, after a public split with President Trump over the One Big Beautiful Bill. The party aims to attract the “80 percent in the middle,” focusing on fiscal conservatism, reducing national debt, cutting regulations, and promoting sustainable energy.
Despite broad enthusiasm, parts of the Forward Party, Libertarians, and No Labels are weighing collaboration—experts warn of significant legal and logistical hurdles. Ballot‑access laws vary by state and often favor entrenched parties, especially for congressional seats.
Yang’s Forward Party has limited ground presence, with one state senator currently, yet he believes fast growth is possible. In a recent Politico interview, he stressed that a third party “can succeed very quickly” if executed properly.
Musk’s bold political move has rattled Tesla’s leadership. Some board members urge Musk to refocus on his business ventures, especially with breakthroughs in autonomous tech looming.
But Yang, undeterred by skeptics or President Trump’s criticism of third parties, plans to actively support Musk’s efforts. Their shared agenda on issues like universal basic income and political reform suggests a pragmatic centrist coalition forming.
Yang and Musk’s collaboration signals a serious third‑party effort that combines tech wealth with political experience. Whether they can overcome ballot access, legal complexity, and establishment resistance will determine if the America Party becomes a meaningful force in the 2026 midterms.
