Written by Caleb Johnson.
Steve Bannon, the firebrand behind much of the MAGA movement’s early momentum, has set his sights on Elon Musk. In his latest tirade, Bannon vowed to see Musk removed from President-elect Trump’s inner circle before inauguration day—a bold and brash declaration that has many wondering whether Bannon’s influence in Trump’s orbit is still as potent as he claims.
Let’s unpack this escalating feud and why it’s lighting up political conversations across the country.
A Personal Vendetta or a Larger Ideological Clash?
Bannon didn’t mince words in a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, an Italian newspaper. “I will have Elon Musk run out of here by Inauguration Day,” Bannon proclaimed, adding that Musk would not enjoy any special privileges at the White House. This was more than a passing remark—it was a direct challenge.
He described Musk as “truly evil” and accused him of plotting to impose “techno-feudalism on a global scale.” Strong words, even for Bannon, who is known for his rhetorical sharpness. The critique extends beyond personal disdain; it taps into Bannon’s long-standing resistance to the tech elite and their perceived influence on American politics.
To make his point, Bannon zeroed in on Musk’s support for H-1B visas, which he claims disproportionately benefit foreign workers in Silicon Valley while sidelining American talent, particularly Black and Hispanic communities.
This feud might seem like just another high-profile political spat, but it highlights deeper questions about the role of big tech in governance, immigration policies, and the future direction of the MAGA movement.
Musk’s Role in Trump’s Administration
Despite the tension, Elon Musk holds a significant position in Trump’s team. Musk was tapped to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at trimming government waste and slashing budgets. The department has a clear deadline—July 4, 2026—giving Musk and co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy just a year to achieve their ambitious goals.
Musk’s relationship with Trump deepened after the former president survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, last summer. This event seemingly cemented Musk’s loyalty to Trump, transforming him from a high-profile supporter to a trusted ally.
However, Musk’s rise in MAGA circles doesn’t sit well with everyone. Bannon’s attacks suggest that some within the movement view Musk’s influence as a betrayal of MAGA’s original values.
Bannon’s MAGA Legacy and Legal Troubles
Bannon’s influence in the MAGA movement is undeniable. As Trump’s chief strategist during the early months of his first term, Bannon helped shape the administration’s nationalist agenda. Even after his departure in August 2017, Bannon remained a hero among Trump’s most devoted supporters.
But Bannon’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. He was convicted of contempt of Congress in 2022 for refusing to testify before the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack. After serving a short prison sentence, speculation is rife that Trump might pardon Bannon as part of his second-term agenda.
This legal baggage hasn’t dimmed Bannon’s passion for his cause. His recent comments underscore his commitment to exposing what he sees as the corrupting influence of money and technology in American politics.
Immigration and the Tech Divide
One of the most contentious issues between Bannon and Musk is immigration, specifically the use of H-1B visas. Musk’s support for these visas, which allow U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has drawn sharp criticism from Bannon.
Bannon argues that these visas disproportionately favor foreign-born engineers at the expense of American workers. He claims that Silicon Valley’s workforce is dominated by non-Americans, sidelining Black and Hispanic communities.
In his interview, Bannon accused Musk and other tech leaders, like Peter Thiel and David Sacks, of perpetuating a system that prioritizes profit over patriotism. “Why do we have South Africans, the most racist people on earth, making decisions about America?” Bannon fumed, suggesting Musk should “go back to South Africa.”
Bannon’s rhetoric reflects a broader debate within conservative circles about immigration, economic fairness, and the role of globalism in American politics.
Our Take
Bannon’s attacks on Musk are a symptom of a larger tension within the conservative movement. On one side, you have traditional nationalists like Bannon, who prioritize American workers and oppose the perceived overreach of globalist elites. On the other, you have figures like Musk, who represent a more technocratic, innovation-driven approach to governance.
While both sides claim to champion America’s future, this infighting risks alienating the very voters who have propelled the MAGA movement to prominence. At a time when unity should be the focus, public spats like this only deepen divisions and distract from the real issues.
Moreover, Bannon’s rhetoric, particularly his inflammatory comments about race and nationality, does little to advance constructive dialogue. These kinds of remarks not only undermine the credibility of his arguments but also risk alienating potential allies.
The public deserves leaders who can rise above personal vendettas and focus on solutions that benefit everyone. This feud between Bannon and Musk is a distraction—one that highlights the challenges of reconciling competing visions within the conservative movement.
