Internal Conflict Erupts in Far-Right Trump Faction as Bannon Targets Musk
In a significant escalation of tensions within the ultra-right faction of Donald Trump's supporters, former advisor Steve Bannon has publicly criticized Elon Musk, labeling him as 'racist' and vowing to remove him from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.
During an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, excerpts of which were shared by Breitbart, Bannon took issue with Musk's support for certain immigration policies and declared his commitment to limiting Musk's access to the White House. He described Musk as 'truly evil' and expressed his determination to ensure that Musk would not be granted preferential treatment after the upcoming inauguration.
Elon Musk, a prominent backer of Trump, has reportedly invested approximately $270 million in support of Trump's campaign to regain the presidency. Following his electoral victory, Trump appointed Musk to assist in leading a task force aimed at reducing U.S. public spending by up to $2 billion.
However, Musk's advocacy for H-1B visas, which allow companies like SpaceX and Tesla to hire skilled workers from abroad, has drawn backlash from other MAGA supporters who are largely opposed to immigration in any form. Notably, Musk himself is a recipient of an H-1B visa, having been born in South Africa.
Bannon remarked that the issue surrounding H-1B visas reflects a broader manipulation of the immigration system by technology leaders, asserting that this has incited anger among many supporters. Bannon, who was dismissed from his White House position during Trump's first term but later redefined his role as a significant voice in the MAGA movement through his podcast, has shifted focus to attack other tech magnates associated with Musk, including Peter Thiel and David Sacks, for their South African heritage.
In his remarks, Bannon suggested that Musk should return to South Africa, questioning the appropriateness of 'white South Africans,' whom he described as 'the most racist people on earth,' commenting on American affairs.
He further criticized Musk's aspirations, framing them as a pursuit of immense wealth and influence, and denouncing what he termed 'techno-feudalism on a global scale.' Bannon affirmed that he would actively oppose Musk's agenda, emphasizing Musk's focus on personal wealth accumulation rather than collective interests.
This public confrontation marks a notable rift within the far-right, highlighting the ideological divides that are emerging as the movement grapples with its identity and future direction in the wake of shifting political landscapes.
