Trump Calls Musk's Plans for New Political Party 'Ridiculous'

US President Donald Trump has called Mr. Elon Musk's plans to form a new political party "ridiculous," saying the billionaire could have fun with his new project but that the United States functions best under a two-party system.

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WASHINGTON -

A day after Mr. Musk escalated his feud with Mr. Trump and announced the formation of a new political party, the Republican President was asked about it before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, as he returned to Washington upon visiting his nearby golf club.

"I think it's ridiculous to start a third party. We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their way, but it's always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion," Mr. Trump told reporters.

"It really seems to have been developed for two parties. Third parties have never worked, so he can have fun with it, but I think it's ridiculous."

Mr. Musk said on July 5 that he would establish the "America Party" in response to Mr. Trump's tax cut and spending Bill, which Mr. Musk claimed would bankrupt the country.

In response, investment firm Azoria Partners, which had planned to launch a fund tied to Mr. Musk's automaker Tesla, said it was delaying the venture because the party's creation posed "a conflict with his full-time responsibilities as CEO."