“Steve Bannon Slams Elon Musk, Pledges to Curb His Influence on Trump!”
Stephen K. Bannon, former chief strategist for President-elect Donald Trump, has intensified his public attacks on Elon Musk, criticizing the billionaire’s growing influence in the incoming administration. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Bannon said Musk “should go back to South Africa” and called for limiting his access to the White House.
Bannon also slammed Musk’s support for skilled-worker visa programs, a stance that recently caused tension between far-right activists and Trump’s tech allies. While Trump ultimately sided with Musk in the dispute, Bannon is reportedly preparing broader efforts to curb Musk’s ability to shape policy.
“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?” Bannon said, adding that he would “do anything” to keep Musk out of the West Wing.
Musk, a political newcomer who has supported candidates from both parties in the past, gained significant influence by donating over $277 million to Republicans during the 2024 elections. He has since been appointed by Trump to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. While the group has started engaging with federal agencies, its authority remains uncertain, with questions about security clearances and its ability to implement recommendations.
Bannon’s comments highlight growing divisions among Trump allies over Musk’s role in the new administration and the extent of his political power.
Bannon Intensifies Feud with Musk, Calls for Restrictions on Billionaire’s White House Access
Steve Bannon, former Trump strategist, has escalated his attacks on Elon Musk, calling for the billionaire to be denied a White House pass that would grant him unfettered West Wing access. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Bannon criticized Musk’s foreign ties and alleged drug use, which reportedly limit his access to privileged information despite holding a top-secret security clearance, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Bannon and Musk did not respond to requests for comment.
Bannon, once a key figure in Trump’s 2016 campaign and early administration, remains a powerful voice in right-wing circles despite a controversial past that includes a four-month prison sentence for defying a congressional subpoena. His podcast has become a platform for Trump allies, including budget chief nominee Russell Vought and incoming adviser Peter Navarro. However, Bannon’s nationalist agenda is increasingly at odds with Musk’s pro-business and pro-immigration stances.
A recent clash over skilled-worker visas highlights their divide. Bannon, supported by far-right figures like Laura Loomer, opposes the visa program, arguing it harms American workers. Musk and tech allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy, defend the program as vital for U.S. tech competitiveness. Musk tweeted on Christmas – “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low. If you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.”
Bannon countered in his interview, accusing Musk of promoting “techno-feudalism on a global scale.”
As Bannon pushes for restrictions on Musk’s influence in Trump’s second term, the feud underscores the growing tension between the GOP’s nationalist and business factions.