When Elon Musk tweeted his vision for an ‘America Party’, he ignited a firestorm of hope and scepticism. The idea was inspired by his anger for Donald Trump’s $5 trillion spending bill. In the UK, Ben Habib and Rupert Lowe, formerly figures in Reform, have splintered away from Britain’s populist party over splits with Nigel Farage. Musk, Habib and Lowe are all disruptors united by disdain for broken systems, and all face harsh electoral realities. In the US, a hypothetical Musk-led party could split the Republican vote, potentially handing Democrats victories. Habib and Lowe could dilute the populist vote in the UK, most of which is currently with Reform.

Musk’s flirtation with a new political movement stems from his clash with Trump over fiscal policy. Musk’s platform – slashing deficits, deregulating business and boosting high-skilled immigration – appeals to tech-savvy moderates and disillusioned independents. On X, Musk has framed himself as a........

© The Spectator