Former President-elect Donald Trump’s chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon is launching public attacks on billionaire Elon Musk, who will play an influential role in the incoming administration.
Bannon recently criticized Musk for his support of a skilled-worker visa program that has caused tension among far-right activists and tech industry supporters. Despite Trump ultimately siding with Musk on the issue, Bannon says he’s preparing to limit the Tesla executive’s ability to shape Trump’s agenda.
Bannon also questioned Musk’s influence in the White House, suggesting he should return to his birthplace of South Africa. The comments reflect growing concerns among some Trump allies about Musk’s role in Trump’s second term.
Musk has been rewarded for supporting Trump with over $277 million in donations and was appointed to co-lead the “Department of Government Efficiency” with tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. However, it remains unclear how long Musk will exert his newfound power or what influence he will have on Trump’s agenda.
Bannon’s nationalist vision is at odds with Musk’s views on immigration and trade. The two men disagree over a visa program that allows skilled foreign workers to stay in the US for up to six years. Musk defended the program as necessary for protecting US tech firms, while Bannon sees it as a threat to American workers.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/12/bannon-musk-trump-maga