In a striking turn of events within the political sphere, Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Donald Trump and a prominent figure in the far-right movement, has publicly condemned Elon Musk, labeling him as “racist” and “truly evil.” This condemnation comes amidst Bannon’s vow to prevent Musk from gaining influential access to the White House should Trump return to office. Bannon’s remarks were made during an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, with excerpts later published by Breitbart, showcasing a deepening rift among Trump’s key supporters.
Bannon’s criticism is not just personal but ideological, targeting Musk’s stance on immigration, particularly his use of H1B visas, which Bannon claims are “gamed by the tech overlords.” This accusation reflects a broader discontent with how tech moguls like Musk manage immigration for their benefit, a practice Bannon finds intolerable. His pledge to “take this guy down” underscores a personal mission to oust Musk from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, signaling a significant internal conflict within Trump’s support base.
The financial support Musk provided to Trump’s campaign, amounting to approximately $270 million, had previously earned him a favored position within Trump’s circle. However, Bannon’s recent stance suggests a shift in tolerance, stating, “Before, because he put money in, I was prepared to tolerate it – I’m not prepared to tolerate it any more.” This indicates that financial backing might no longer shield individuals from ideological scrutiny within the movement.
With the inauguration day set for January 20, Bannon has set a deadline for his mission, declaring, “I will have Elon Musk run out of here by inauguration day. He will not have full access to the White House. He will be like any other person.” This promise not only highlights the intensity of Bannon’s feelings towards Musk but also the potential for a significant change in the dynamics of Trump’s advisory circle.
Steve Bannon is coming after Elon Musk over H1-B visas, and while the debate is valid, publicly attacking Elon is NOT the move. 💡
Elon’s challenging the status quo, pushing boundaries, and doing more than most for the movement. Dividing ourselves publicly? Bad look. It only… pic.twitter.com/ztreZHa0vV
— The Patriots Prayer Network (@ThePatriotsPray) January 13, 2025
Bannon’s vitriol extended to Musk’s heritage, suggesting, “He [Musk] should go back to South Africa. Why do we have South Africans, the most racist people on earth, white South Africans, we have them making any comments at all on what goes on in the United States?” This comment not only personalizes the attack but also touches on sensitive issues of nationality and race, aiming to delegitimize Musk’s involvement in American politics.
This public feud between Bannon and Musk could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape, especially within the tech and political sectors, where influence and access to power are pivotal. As we approach the potential return of Trump to the White House, the internal dynamics of his support base are becoming more contentious, with figures like Bannon drawing lines in the sand over who should be part of the inner circle.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/12/steve-bannon-calls-elon-musk-racist
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