As multiple Republicans downplay the latest social media spat, a new super PAC launched by a Trump ally is set to challenge Elon Musk’s political influence. The FSD PAC, named after Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ technology, was established with the aim of countering Musk’s growing political ambitions. The PAC will focus on races where Musk supports third-party candidates, backs Democrats, or challenges Trump-endorsed Republicans. The goal is to ensure Musk’s vast financial resources do not dilute Trump’s dominance within the GOP.
Fishback, a former advisor to Trump and a key figure in his government-shrinking agenda, has been vocal in his criticism of Musk’s political activities. He recently stepped away from the Department of Government Efficiency after an incident involving Musk’s public comments on Trump. Fishback has invested $1 million of his own money into his PAC and has openly stated that Musk ‘is dead wrong on this’ when it comes to political matters. The PAC’s formation marks another step in the intensifying standoff between Musk and the Republican Party, as Musk, the GOP’s largest individual donor, has publicly threatened to launch his own political party if Congress passes the Big Beautiful Bill.
The Senate’s recent passage of the Big Beautiful Bill has heightened tensions. Trump has shown little concern about Musk’s potential influence, stating, ‘I don’t think he should be playing that game with me.’ A Trump ally added that Musk’s past political endorsements have had little impact, citing the example of his support for Ron DeSanctimonious in the 2024 Republican primary and a failed attempt to sway a Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The PAC is just one of several pro-Trump organizations targeting Republicans perceived as disloyal within the party.
Meanwhile, Musk has ramped up his criticism of the legislation, making threats against conservative lawmakers who support the bill. He has reportedly claimed that such lawmakers will lose their primaries if the legislation passes, and has openly endorsed Rep. Thomas Massie, one of the few House Republicans who voted against the bill. In response, Trump has escalated the rhetoric, suggesting that his administration may consider deporting Musk, a South African native and naturalized citizen. Musk, for his part, has responded with restraint, stating, ‘So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.’