US President Donald Trump on Sunday publicly criticized billionaire Elon Musk’s newly launched “America First” political party, calling the move misguided and unnecessary.

 

“I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” Trump told reporters, responding to Musk’s surprise announcement over the weekend. The comments come after a public rift between the two former allies, whose relationship has recently soured.

 

Musk, who unveiled the party as a challenge to what he described as a "broken political duopoly," claimed his new movement would reclaim the original meaning of “America First.” But Trump, who has long associated that slogan with his own brand of politics, appeared unimpressed.

 

“It’s always been a two party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to confusion,” Trump added.