On July 7, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called on billionaire Elon Musk to abandon his plan to launch the “America Party” and instead focus on pushing constitutional amendments for congressional term limits and a balanced federal budget. Speaking at a Jacksonville press conference, DeSantis argued that a third party would likely split the Republican vote, handing Democrats victories in competitive House and Senate races. He emphasized that systemic change, not new candidates, is key to addressing issues like the $34 trillion national debt.
DeSantis, a former congressman, highlighted the gap between campaign promises and Washington’s performance, noting Congress’s resistance to Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts. He proposed leveraging Article V of the Constitution, which allows states to propose amendments. With 28 states already supporting a balanced budget amendment, DeSantis said Musk’s influence could secure the 34 needed for a constitutional convention, calling it a “monumental” opportunity. He also stressed term limits to curb entrenched power, noting growing state support.
Musk’s America Party, announced amid his feud with President Trump over a $2 trillion spending bill, aims to challenge the “uniparty” system. DeSantis, while praising Musk’s innovation, warned that third-party efforts rarely succeed, citing historical failures. Critics argue Musk’s focus on primaries could be more effective, while supporters of his party see it as a bold disruptor.
The call reflects DeSantis’s push for structural reform, aligning with his Florida policies like returning $878 million in federal funds. As 2026 midterms loom, his advice to Musk underscores a strategic bid to unify conservatives around constitutional solutions rather than divisive electoral gambits.
