Steve Bannon Targets Elon Musk: 'I Will Take Him Down by Inauguration Day'
Steve Bannon escalates his feud with Elon Musk, vowing to limit Musk's influence in the Trump administration, highlighting their clash over immigration policies.
Politics
Mixed Reliable
Summary
In a heated interview, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon declared his intent to rid the MAGA movement of Elon Musk by Inauguration Day. Bannon criticized Musk's support for H-1B visas and labeled him as 'truly evil,' claiming he would not allow Musk any higher access to the White House. As tensions rise, Musk's previous support for Trump and significant financial investments complicate the political landscape, revealing deeper divisions within the MAGA base regarding immigration and foreign ties.
Informed by:
From the Left
Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, has fiercely criticized Elon Musk, calling him 'truly evil' and opposing his support for H-1B visas.
Bannon escalated his rhetoric by suggesting Musk should 'go back to South Africa', reflecting a broader disdain for immigration and foreign influence in American politics.
The left portrays Bannon's attacks on Musk as indicative of a split within the MAGA movement, showcasing a conflict between traditional immigration hardliners and the tech elite.
Informed by:
From the Right
Steve Bannon, initially supportive of Musk's contributions to the MAGA movement, has turned against him due to Musk's stance on H-1B visas, which Bannon views as detrimental to American workers.
Bannon's comment that Musk 'should go back to South Africa' reveals a sense of frustration over perceived foreign influence in American politics, especially among wealthy immigrants.
Despite familial criticisms, Bannon acknowledged Musk's potential value in promoting a populist agenda, highlighting Musk's financial support for Trump's campaign as a significant force in politics.
Informed by:
Highlights (4)
Bannon went nuclear on Elon Musk in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera earlier this week, telling the outlet he wants to have Musk "run out of here by Inauguration Day."
"A truly evil guy": Bannon bashes Musk as MAGA infighting continues
Salon
·LeftThe underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.Mostly Reliable
Bannon, who served as the CEO of Trump's 2016 campaign as well as a White House adviser in his former administration, and Musk, who donated over a quarter billion dollars to help get the president-elect across the finish line in 2024, are two of the Republican leader's top allies. However, Bannon has long been critical of Musk and routinely criticized his business ties to China.
Steve Bannon vows to take down Donald Trump ally Elon Musk
Newsweek
·CenterThe underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.Mostly Reliable
Bannon further widened his aim to attack Musk’s fellow tech giants Peter Thiel and David Sacks for having South African heritage. "He [Musk] should go back to South Africa," Bannon said.
Steve Bannon condemns Elon Musk as ‘racist’ and ‘truly evil’
The Guardian
·Leans LeftThe underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.Reliable
Bannon, 71, who hosts the "War Room" podcast and has a penchant for plotting all-out brass-knuckled political warfare, suggested Musk "should go back to South Africa" and decried his stance on H1-B visas.
New York Post
·Leans RightThe underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.Mostly Reliable