DeSantis slams 'Party of America' idea:
Musk may make a difference without fragmenting Republican vote
Republican Governor of the US state of Florida, Ron DeSantis, said that billionaire
Elon Musk is capable of transforming the course of the country
but not by establishing a new political party.
DeSantis said during a press conference:
"I believe that Washington needs 100% comprehensive reform, but I do not believe
that a third party will achieve that," commenting on Musk’s intention to launch
the America Party, which focuses on reducing government costs.
DeSantis
who previously ran in Republican presidential primaries, warned that
Musk nominating candidates in swing states could lead to a Democratic victory
saying: "When you start a new party, especially if it addresses the issues that it's
talking about, its funding of candidates in the Senate and the House in competitive
races will most likely result in a Democratic victory in all of those districts.
And I'm a Republican and I don't want that to happen," he said.
DeSantis praised the head of Tesla
SpaceX and the X platform
calling him "among the most innovative entrepreneurs in the history of the world"
and said he appreciated his support for President Trump and Republicans in
the 2024 election, along with his efforts to combat waste, fraud and misuse of
government funds, as head of the "Government Efficiency Administration.".
He added:
"I think he has a lot to offer. But it would be better for him to direct his efforts to
support constitutional amendments such as imposing a balanced budget
or limiting the number of parliamentary terms
rather than establishing a new party," he said.
He explained :
"Frankly :
if we're worried about public debt
just electing a number of better people isn't going to change the course of things.
"We need incentives inside Washington that lead to
the same results regardless of the election results.".
DeSantis noted that
many states have already submitted, under Article Five of the Constitution
petitions to hold a convention to amend the Constitution
stressing that Musk’s support for this step will have a "huge impact.".
He added:
"I believe in working through the Republican process, but most importantly
implementing these amendments, which are within reach, does not require
congressional approval, but can be accomplished via Article V and through
the states.
That would dramatically change the trajectory of the country," he said.
Musk announced
- the founding of the "Party of America" in response to Republican
- lawmakers passing the "One Huge Beautiful Bill" law
- which President Trump signed into law on July 4.
This law is expected to add $3.9 trillion to public debt over the next decade
according to estimates by the Responsible Federal Budget Committee.
Musk, 54
has expressed dismay that the legislation
"empties of substance" efforts by the "DOGE" team to limit