Musk's New Political Party Faces Steep Challenges

Taking on the US' two-party system will require tremendous resources, commitment

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WASHINGTON - Building a new US political party from scratch is a daunting task, even for the world's richest man.

But that is what Mr Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, said he plans to do in the wake of his falling out with President Donald Trump. Mr Musk this weekend announced the birth of the "America Party" — dedicated, he said, to defeating Republicans who backed Mr Trump's massive tax-cut and spending Bill.

Mr Musk described his new party as tech-centric, budget-conscious, pro-energy and centrist, with the goal of drawing both disaffected Democrats and Republicans. He has criticised the tax-cut Bill, which is forecast to add about US$3.4 trillion (S$4.35 trillion) to the United States' debt.

Breaking the two-party system's grip on US federal elections would take tremendous resources and a long-term commitment, political experts say. Similar attempts have failed, underscoring how difficult it is to gain a foothold in a country where elections are organised on a state-by-state level.

"There are just very, very significant barriers to the creation of a viable third party," said Associate Professor David A. Hopkins from Boston College's political science department. He said challenges include building party infrastructure, organising volunteers and qualifying for the ballot.

Mr David Jolly, a former Republican congressman from Florida who left the party over Mr Trump, said Mr Musk can provide what has long been required for such a push: money.