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Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon has issued a scathing attack on tech billionaire Elon Musk, vowing to “take down” the Tesla and SpaceX CEO before President-elect Trump’s second inauguration.
Speaking in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Bannon labeled Musk as “truly evil” and accused him of exploiting systems for personal gain while dismissing the interests of American workers and citizens.
Bannon’s sharp criticism centers on Musk’s influence in the tech industry and his potential role in the next Trump administration.
Musk, who was previously tapped by Trump to co-lead the “Department of Government Efficiency,” is a polarizing figure due to his progressive stances on issues like immigration and his advocacy for innovation-driven economic policies.
Bannon, however, views Musk as emblematic of what he calls the “tech overlords” manipulating the system at the expense of ordinary Americans. “I will have Elon Musk run out of here by Inauguration Day,” Bannon declared. “He is a truly evil guy, a very bad guy. I’ve made it my personal mission to take this guy down.”
The debate over H-1B visas has become a flashpoint in the feud. Musk, an immigrant from South Africa and a former H-1B visa holder himself, has publicly championed the program as a means to attract global talent and drive innovation in the U.S.
However, this view sharply contrasts with Trump’s voter base, many of whom argue that the program allows companies to undercut American wages by hiring cheaper foreign labor. Bannon seized on this divide, framing Musk’s position as out of touch with American workers.
“This thing with the H-1B visas—it’s about the entire immigration system being gamed by the tech overlords,” Bannon said. “They use it to their advantage, and the people are furious.”
Bannon’s critique extended beyond Musk’s policies to his personal background. He lashed out at Musk’s South African heritage, making inflammatory and controversial statements about the country’s history and culture.
“Why do we have South Africans, the most racist people on Earth, white South Africans, making any comments at all on what goes on in the United States?” he asked. These remarks have drawn widespread criticism for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and detracting from substantive policy debates.
Bannon also took aim at Musk’s character, accusing him of being immature and solely focused on increasing his wealth and influence. “He has the maturity of a little boy,” Bannon said. “He’s not interested in the American people—only in his bottom line.”
While Musk has not publicly responded to Bannon’s remarks, his record shows a complex figure with significant influence across industries.
From his leadership in electric vehicles and renewable energy to his work on space exploration, Musk’s contributions have earned him admiration and criticism alike. However, his advocacy for the H-1B visa program and other immigration policies places him at odds with the nationalist stance that Bannon and others in Trump’s circle fiercely promote.
As President-elect Trump prepares for his second term, it remains unclear how Musk’s influence will evolve under the new administration.
His role in shaping policy, particularly in areas like technology and infrastructure, could either solidify or weaken depending on the political dynamics in Washington.
Bannon’s remarks underscore the deep divisions within Trump’s camp over key policy issues, particularly immigration and the role of technology in society.
By singling out Musk, Bannon has reignited debates about the intersection of innovation, globalization, and nationalism in America’s future. Whether this feud escalates or fizzles out remains to be seen, but it is clear that Musk’s place in the national conversation is far from settled.
