July 2025 – Elon Musk’s surprise move to launch a new political party has sparked a wave of reactions, but few as direct as former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who bluntly called Musk a “loser” and told him to “get back to business instead of playing politics.”
Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, announced last week the formation of the “Technocrat Party”, claiming it would be a platform for “pragmatic, innovation-driven governance.” His move has stirred debates across tech and political circles, with many supporters praising him for challenging the status quo, while critics see it as an impractical distraction.
Mnuchin, who served under former President Donald Trump, didn’t hold back during a recent interview on Fox Business, stating:
“Elon Musk is a great entrepreneur, but when it comes to politics, he’s a loser. He doesn’t understand the game. He should stop wasting time and go back to building rockets and cars.”
Mnuchin emphasized that the business environment is already facing uncertainty, and having high-profile CEOs enter the political arena could further shake investor confidence.
“We need people to focus on what they do best. For Elon, that’s running companies, not running for office or creating new parties,” Mnuchin added.
Musk’s Response
Elon Musk has not directly addressed Mnuchin’s comments but posted on X (formerly Twitter) a cryptic message:
“Change never comes from those afraid to fail.”
Musk has previously expressed frustration with both major political parties, arguing that “America needs a forward-thinking party that supports technological progress and fiscal responsibility.”
Market Reaction and Business Impact
Following the announcement of Musk’s new party, Tesla’s stock experienced minor fluctuations, reflecting investor uncertainty over how Musk’s political ambitions might affect his leadership focus at Tesla and SpaceX.
Analysts warn that Musk’s political move could distract from ongoing challenges, including competition in the EV sector and delays in SpaceX’s Mars colonization timeline.
The Bigger Picture
This clash between a former Trump official and one of America’s most influential tech CEOs highlights the growing tension between big business and politics in the 2025 election landscape.
While Musk’s supporters see his new party as a necessary disruption, critics, including Mnuchin, argue that the real “pragmatism” is in letting politicians handle politics while entrepreneurs focus on innovation.
Whether Musk’s Technocrat Party will gain traction remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his entry into politics has already made waves, and voices like Mnuchin’s will continue to shape the debate over whether billionaires should play kingmaker—or simply build the future from the sidelines.
Key Takeaways for Readers:
✅ Elon Musk launched a new political party: The Technocrat Party.
✅ Steven Mnuchin (Trump’s Treasury Secretary) called him a “loser” and advised him to quit politics.
✅ The debate highlights tech CEOs’ role in politics vs. business focus.
✅ Tesla’s stock saw minor volatility following the announcement.
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