US President Donald Trump has lashed out at his former close friend Elon Musk regarding Musk’s plan to start a new political party. In a statement released on July 6 before boarding Air Force One, Trump called the idea “ridiculous” and argued that it would create unnecessary confusion as the US has always had a two-party system. Musk, who recently announced the formation of the America Party to potentially compete against the Republican and Democratic parties, was previously a close ally of Trump’s. In fact, Musk was in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), whose responsibility was to assist in reducing federal spending.
Elsewhere on his Truth Social platform, Trump lamented what he believes to be Musk’s recent erratic behavior, stating that he is disheartened to witness Musk essentially becoming “off the rails” over the past five weeks. Trump specifically targeted Musk’s push for an Electric Vehicle (EV) Mandate, claiming that it would have compelled individuals to buy electric cars within a short timeframe. Trump’s recent tax and spending plan, which he signed into law on July 4, eliminated tax breaks for electric vehicles. The President insisted that he has opposed Musk’s proposal for an EV mandate from the start, explaining that the removal of such a mandate in the legislation will allow people to purchase vehicles of their choice, including gasoline-powered and hybrid options. The legislation also includes provisions for increased border security, defense, and energy production, funded by contentious cuts to healthcare and food-support programs. Throughout his public clashes with Trump, Musk had repeatedly expressed his disapproval of the President’s spending proposals, leading him to also pose the idea of establishing a new political party.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4n09lpz41o
