CNN political commentator and former Republican adviser Scott Jennings reportedly issued a pointed warning to Elon Musk over the weekend, arguing that the tech billionaire’s newly announced “America Party” risks fracturing the conservative coalition and weakening Republican electoral chances.
Speaking during a roundtable on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Jennings urged Musk to reconsider his efforts to launch a third party at such a politically fragile moment. “You may be dividing the forces of people who want to save Western civilization—to the benefit of the people who don’t,” he said.
The comments follow Musk’s July 5 announcement on X that he would be forming a new political party aimed at challenging what he described as the entrenched, corrupt “Uniparty” structure of Democrats and Republicans.
Musk cited the results of a poll he posted on the platform, which showed a strong appetite for a third-party alternative, and pledged to focus the party’s efforts on a small but strategic number of congressional races.
While Musk’s rhetoric has resonated with some voters disillusioned by traditional politics, Jennings warned that such a move could split the conservative vote and give Democrats an edge in close contests—particularly in key Senate and House races where even marginal losses can tip the balance of power.
“I wish they’d put the band back together,” Jennings added, referring to Musk’s earlier alignment with President Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign, when the two had appeared united on economic and cultural issues.
Their falling out, which began after Musk criticized Trump’s latest federal spending package as fiscally ruinous, has since escalated into a public and bitter dispute.
Political strategists say that third parties have rarely succeeded in the U.S. system, where the electoral structure and ballot access laws tend to favor two dominant parties.
Nonetheless, Musk’s personal fortune and influence over social media give him unique leverage to shape public discourse—and possibly electoral outcomes.
Early indications suggest Musk’s new party may attract some influential allies, including tech entrepreneurs and libertarian-leaning donors, though no formal endorsements have been announced.
Jennings concluded his remarks with a broader appeal to unity: “Whatever your differences, Elon and Donald, I hope you both remember what you’re fighting for. Because if you fight each other, we could lose everything.”
The political consequences of Musk’s third-party gambit remain unclear. But as the 2026 midterms approach, conservatives appear increasingly divided over whether Musk’s challenge represents disruption—or danger.
[READ MORE: Iran Officially Cuts Off IAEA From Monitoring Nuclear Program]
