Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking at a press conference on 7/7, advised billionaire Elon Musk against forming a new political party. "I think Washington needs to be 100% reformed, but I don't believe a third party can do that," DeSantis said, referencing Musk's announcement of a new "America" party to compete with the Democrats and Republicans.
DeSantis, who received Musk's endorsement in his presidential campaign, praised Musk's past efforts, including his support for Republican candidates in the 2024 election and his work to reduce government spending. However, he warned that a third party would likely lead to Democratic victories in future elections.
"As a Republican, I don't want to see that happen," DeSantis said.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and billionaire Elon Musk. Photo: CNN |
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and billionaire Elon Musk. Photo: CNN
Musk announced the formation of the America party on 5/7 following his rift with former President Donald Trump over disagreements about the "Great America Act". While DeSantis didn't criticize the act, he also refrained from praising it. He did not join other Republicans in calling for its passage earlier this year. Representative Thomas Massie, one of the Republicans who opposed the act, supported DeSantis' presidential campaign.
DeSantis said there's a "problem within the Republican party" because many Republican representatives pledge to control spending during their campaigns but fail to deliver on that promise once elected to the House of Representatives. He believes this needs to be addressed in the upcoming primary elections.
DeSantis doesn't believe Musk supporting "a few better people" to replace representatives who supported the act would change the current trajectory. Instead, he suggests Musk could have a "huge impact" by focusing on encouraging state legislatures like Florida's to call for a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. DeSantis also believes a constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms would be effective.
"There will be positive and enormous changes. The dynamics and structure there must change, and this is within reach," DeSantis said.
Elon Musk has not yet commented on DeSantis' recommendation. Third parties historically face an uphill battle in the current US political landscape. However, some politicians, business leaders, and activists have expressed enthusiasm for Musk's new party idea.
Andrew Yang, the former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and founder of the Forward Party, said he had contacted Musk. Musk also supported Yang's 2020 campaign.
"I'm excited about anyone who wants to break out of the two-party monopoly," Yang said. "I'm willing to help if anyone wants to explore what this path looks like."
Duc Trung (Politico, Washington Post, AP)
