✦ Is Elon Musk Ditching Politics for Power Plays Behind the Scenes?

Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk appears to be quietly shelving his high-profile plans to launch a new political party — and is now looking to play kingmaker instead, sources told The Wall Street Journal.

After debuting the so-called “America Party” in July amidst a public feud with former President Donald Trump over tax and spending legislation, Musk has reportedly told close allies he is stepping back from the venture to refocus on his companies.

But the story doesn’t end there.

According to insiders, Musk has been nurturing a strategic relationship with Vice President JD Vance — and he’s aware that creating a political party could jeopardize that alliance. Behind closed doors, Musk has acknowledged to confidants that he’s not willing to risk burning bridges with Vance.

Instead, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO is contemplating a different kind of influence: using his vast financial resources to back a possible Vance 2028 presidential bid.

The world’s richest man already flexed his political muscle in 2024 by spending nearly $300 million to support Trump and other Republican candidates. His efforts earned him significant clout early in Trump’s second term, especially within the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

While neither Tesla nor the White House has responded to Reuters requests for comment, observers say Musk’s political maneuvering is far from over — just evolving.

Vance, who previously called for a ceasefire during Musk’s public battle with Trump, reaffirmed his stance earlier this month. He has openly invited Musk to realign with the Republican Party.

Meanwhile, Tesla’s performance has been under scrutiny. Shares have fallen over 18% this year, after the company posted its steepest quarterly sales drop in over a decade and earnings that missed expectations — despite a better-than-feared profit margin.

Musk has also issued cautionary words about the future, warning investors of “a few rough quarters” ahead, particularly with the rollback of EV support by the Trump administration.

As investors grow anxious over Musk’s split focus between politics and business, one question lingers: Is Musk truly stepping away from politics — or just changing the game?