Elon Musk has the money and, at least for the moment, the motivation to steer America's politics away from its dominant two parties. But long-standing obstacles to third parties, as well as Musk's own unique profile,

Musk described his new party on his platform X as tech-centric, budget-conscious, pro-energy and centrist, with the goal of drawing both disaffected Democrats and Republicans. Musk has criticized the tax-cut bill, which is forecast to add about $3.4 trillion to the United States' debt.

The record suggests that it takes a generation or more to establish a new political party with a chance to win an election.