In the wake of the explosive fallout between President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk, MAGA insider and former White House adviser Steve Bannon has called for the immediate deportation of Musk, questioning the legality of the South African-born billionaire’s immigration status.
Bannon, who has been a vocal critic of Musk for some time, intensified his attacks following the public deterioration of the relationship between Trump and Musk.
The call for an investigation into Musk’s immigration status comes at a time when the two men are locked in a bitter dispute over Trump’s legislative agenda, with Musk lashing out at the president’s signature “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Bannon, known for his hard-hitting commentary and support for Trump’s agenda, made his position clear during an interview with The New York Times on Thursday.
He stated that he believes Musk is an illegal alien and should be deported immediately. "They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately," Bannon declared.
The call for deportation follows a series of highly charged social media exchanges between Musk and Trump, with Musk making claims that Trump’s name is implicated in the Epstein files and that he was responsible for Trump’s 2024 election victory.
The public feud between Trump and Musk escalated when Musk criticized Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which is aimed at cutting government spending and reforming the tax system.
Musk, who has long been an advocate for clean energy and electric vehicles, objected to the bill’s provisions, particularly the elimination of tax incentives for electric vehicles.
Musk’s opposition to the bill marked a sharp departure from his previous support for Trump, and his public remarks about the bill were the catalyst for the ensuing conflict between the two.
Trump, who has been steadfast in his defense of the bill, pushed back against Musk’s criticism, calling it unfounded and accusing Musk of "going crazy" over the changes to electric vehicle incentives.
During an appearance on his live webcast Bannon’s War Room, Bannon continued to unleash a barrage of criticism at Musk, referring to the billionaire as "illegal" and reiterating his call for immediate deportation.
"Elon Musk is illegal, and he’s got to go," Bannon stated emphatically. "He’s illegal? Deport immediately." Bannon’s remarks reflect his frustration with Musk’s public attacks on Trump, as well as his broader concerns about the tech mogul’s influence in American politics.
Bannon, a staunch supporter of Trump’s policies, sees Musk’s actions as a betrayal of the president, especially given the level of support Trump had provided to Musk over the years.
Bannon’s call for deportation is not just a reaction to Musk’s recent criticism of Trump but also to Musk’s past actions, including his reported work in the U.S. before gaining citizenship.
Musk was born in South Africa and emigrated to Canada before eventually moving to the U.S. and becoming a naturalized citizen. However, reports surfaced last year in The Washington Post suggesting that Musk had worked in the U.S. illegally before obtaining citizenship.
These reports have raised questions about the legality of Musk’s immigration status, and Bannon is among those calling for a full investigation into the matter.
Bannon also referenced Musk’s reported drug use as another reason for his deportation. According to a recent report in The New York Times, Musk allegedly used ketamine and other substances while on the campaign trail for Trump.
Musk has denied these claims, but Bannon has made it clear that he believes these allegations should be investigated further. "The drug thing is going to be investigated," Bannon stated, underscoring his belief that Musk’s actions are worthy of scrutiny.
The conflict between Musk and Trump began to boil over after Musk’s public criticism of the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The bill, which has been one of Trump’s primary legislative goals, is designed to reduce government spending and cut taxes, but it includes provisions that Musk believes will harm his business.
In particular, Musk has taken issue with the bill’s removal of the tax credit for electric vehicles, which he believes will hurt the industry and undermine the progress that Tesla has made in promoting clean energy.
Musk has also been vocal in his criticism of the bill’s overall impact on the federal deficit, calling it a "disgusting abomination" that will add trillions to the nation’s debt.
Trump, however, has stood firmly behind the bill, insisting that it is necessary to curb government spending and restore fiscal responsibility. "I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy electric cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went crazy!"
Trump remarked, accusing Musk of overreacting to the changes. The back-and-forth between the two men has reached a fever pitch, with Musk continuing to blast the bill and Trump defending it, making it clear that the rift between them is not just about policy but also about personal loyalty.
The escalation of the Trump-Musk feud has prompted Bannon to take a firm stance against Musk. Bannon has long been a strong supporter of Trump and his vision for America, and he sees Musk’s behavior as a betrayal of the president.
"President Trump empowered him more than anyone has ever been empowered in this government, had his back, promoted this guy, even when people like me said, ‘You’re making a mistake. This is a bad guy. He’s going to turn on you. He’s not with us. He’s also totally incompetent,’" Bannon said on War Room, reflecting on his past warnings to Trump about Musk.
Bannon’s frustrations with Musk have been building for some time, and he believes that Musk’s attacks on Trump are not only personal but also politically damaging.
The rift between Trump and Musk has broader implications for both their political futures. Trump, who has always relied on his loyal base of supporters, is now faced with a situation where a key ally in the business world is publicly opposing his policies.
While Trump has shown resilience in the face of criticism, the public nature of the feud with Musk threatens to undermine his efforts to push through key pieces of legislation.
For Musk, the consequences of his public criticism of Trump are equally significant. While Musk has built an empire on his business acumen and technological innovations, his decision to turn on Trump could alienate key conservative supporters and tarnish his reputation as a political influencer.
For Bannon, the feud is an opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to Trump and his agenda. Bannon has long been a fierce advocate for Trump’s policies, particularly on issues like immigration, government spending, and foreign policy.
His call for Musk’s deportation reflects his belief that those who oppose Trump’s vision for America should face consequences. Bannon’s comments also serve as a reminder of the importance of loyalty in Trump’s inner circle, where personal allegiances often take precedence over policy disagreements.
The public nature of the feud between Trump and Musk has sparked a larger conversation about the role of business leaders in American politics. Musk, as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the world, has wielded significant political influence in recent years.
His support for Trump in the 2024 election and his role in advising the administration on issues like government efficiency gave him a platform within the GOP.
However, his recent criticisms of Trump highlight the fragility of political alliances, particularly when personal interests and policy disagreements come into play.
In conclusion, the dramatic fallout between President Trump and Elon Musk has highlighted the complexity of political relationships and the consequences of public conflict.
Bannon’s call for Musk’s deportation adds another layer of tension to an already contentious situation, as both men’s actions have far-reaching implications for their political futures.
While Musk’s criticism of Trump’s policies has sparked significant debate, Bannon’s firm stance in defense of Trump underscores the importance of loyalty and unity within the Republican Party.
As the rift between Musk and Trump continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the two men can reconcile their differences or whether the fallout from this feud will have lasting consequences for their respective careers and the future of American politics.