Instead of launching a third political party, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gives Elon Musk tactical advice that might increase the tech billionaire’s political clout in the United States. The governor of Florida thinks that a third party would only result in Democratic wins and not change Washington. In 2023, Musk and DeSantis worked together to launch the Twitter Spaces campaign.
DeSantis Offers Strategic Political Advice to Musk
In response to Elon Musk’s consideration of launching a new political party, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has offered clear strategic advice against the move. DeSantis, drawing on his political experience, recommended that Musk focus instead on more effective approaches to influencing American politics. The governor pointed out that third parties typically fail to gain significant traction in America’s political system and often end up strengthening the opposition by splitting votes from ideologically similar candidates.
“I think Washington needs to be overhauled 100 percent, but I just don’t think a third party is going to do it,” DeSantis stated. “I’m a Republican. I don’t want to see that happen.” While acknowledging Musk’s extraordinary capabilities as an entrepreneur and innovator, DeSantis suggested more practical methods for the Tesla CEO to make a lasting impact on American politics without undermining conservative electoral chances.
BREAKING 🚨 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis calls on Elon Musk to put NOT start a new Party but to put his efforts towards:
– Term Limits
– Balancing the BudgetI ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH DESANTIS
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) July 7, 2025
Constitutional Amendments as a Path to Reform
Instead of launching a third party, DeSantis recommended that Musk leverage his considerable influence and resources toward advancing constitutional amendments. Specifically, the Florida governor made the case for a balanced budget amendment as a transformative measure that could address fundamental problems in Washington. This approach would work through state legislatures rather than through Congress, potentially bypassing federal gridlock.
“I don’t think just electing a few better people is going to change [the nation’s] trajectory. You need to do a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. You can do it through the states; you can do it through Article Five. We’ve got 28 states that have approved this. There are another four or five that are on the docket. Once you hit 34, then you write an amendment, and then the states are able to ratify that.” – Ron DeSantis
DeSantis noted that 28 states have already approved measures supporting a balanced budget amendment, with several more considering similar action. Under Article V of the Constitution, if 34 states call for a constitutional convention, they can propose amendments that would then require ratification by 38 states to become law. This state-driven approach could circumvent the traditional amendment process that requires congressional approval.
BREAKING: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urges Elon Musk to push for a balanced budget and term limits amendment, calling it more effective than launching a new political party. DeSantis highlights that changing incentives in D.C. is key, with 28 states already backing the… pic.twitter.com/mgLFc2yrUT
— Luca Taner (@LucaTaner) July 7, 2025
Previous Collaboration on Free Speech Issues
The political relationship between DeSantis and Musk has evolved over several years, initially bonding over shared concerns about free speech. In 2022, DeSantis praised Musk’s attempt to purchase Twitter (now X), viewing it as a significant move to enhance free expression online. The Florida governor characterized Twitter’s previous management as a “suppression arm of the government” that restricted conservative voices.
This shared commitment to free speech principles led to a notable collaboration in May 2023, when DeSantis launched his presidential campaign on Twitter Spaces with Musk. While the event faced technical difficulties, it represented an attempt to leverage Musk’s platform for political engagement. At the Wall Street Journal CEO Summit, Musk described the event as “groundbreaking” and indicated plans to host similar conversations with candidates from both parties.
Current Political Collaboration Through Advisors
The political relationship between Musk and DeSantis has continued to evolve in unexpected ways. Generra Peck, who previously served as DeSantis’s campaign manager and supported the Twitter Spaces campaign launch, is now working with Musk on behalf of Donald Trump through America PAC. This super PAC, backed by Musk, focuses on identifying Trump supporters through canvassing and digital outreach efforts in key battleground states.
Despite their past collaboration, DeSantis maintains an independent political stance in his advice to Musk. His recommendations against a third party reflect both political pragmatism and his continued identification with the Republican Party. The governor’s focus on constitutional amendments suggests a longer-term strategy for reforming Washington that goes beyond electoral politics to address structural issues in government.