Steve Bannon has called for the deportation of tech mogul Elon Musk, claiming the South African-born billionaire is an “illegal alien” who poses national security risks to the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Bannon has urged President Trump to investigate Elon Musk’s immigration status and potentially deport him as an “illegal alien”
- Bannon recommends suspending Musk’s security clearance and canceling federal contracts with his companies during the investigation
- The call comes amid an escalating public feud between Trump and Musk, despite Musk’s previous role as a Trump adviser
- Bannon specifically raised concerns about Musk’s alleged drug use and attempts to access classified Pentagon information on China
- Musk has recently shown support for impeaching Trump and replacing him with Vice President JD Vance
Bannon’s Deportation Demand Targets Musk’s Immigration Status
Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon has launched a scathing attack on Elon Musk, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the tech billionaire’s immigration status and potential deportation. In his recent statements, Bannon labeled Musk a “parasitic illegal immigrant” and questioned his eligibility to remain in the United States. The surprising demand comes as tensions between Musk and the Trump administration have reached unprecedented levels, signaling a dramatic shift in what was once considered a powerful alliance in American business and politics.
Bannon’s allegations extend beyond immigration concerns, as he specifically pointed to Musk’s alleged drug use and attempts to access classified Pentagon information regarding China. “I have a strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and I believe that with the drug use and the things that are coming out about his attempt to get into a Pentagon briefing on China, I think there needs to be a full investigation,” Bannon stated in his war against the SpaceX founder. The former Trump strategist further suggested immediate actions including suspending Musk’s security clearance and reevaluating all federal contracts with his companies.
Escalating Feud Between Trump and His Former Adviser
The dramatic call for Musk’s deportation emerges against the backdrop of a rapidly deteriorating relationship between President Trump and the Tesla CEO. Once considered a valuable member of Trump’s business advisory team, Musk has recently engaged in public criticism of the administration, going so far as to express support for Trump’s impeachment and suggesting Vice President JD Vance as a replacement. This remarkable turn of events highlights the volatile nature of political alliances in Washington and the swift consequences of crossing the Trump administration.
The conflict intensified when Musk made explosive allegations connecting Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, claiming the administration was withholding related documents. In response, Trump has threatened to cancel federal contracts and subsidies for Musk’s companies, potentially jeopardizing billions in government funding that support SpaceX, Tesla, and other Musk ventures. This retaliatory approach demonstrates the high stakes of the confrontation and the potential business implications for Musk’s corporate empire.
National Security Concerns at the Center of Controversy
Bannon’s accusations extend beyond personal grievances to encompass serious national security considerations. By highlighting Musk’s alleged attempts to access classified Pentagon briefings on China, Bannon has elevated the dispute to matters of national intelligence and security clearances. Given Musk’s extensive business operations in China through Tesla and his access to sensitive aerospace technology via SpaceX, these allegations introduce complex questions about foreign influence and the protection of American technological advantages.
Critics of Bannon’s deportation demand point out that Musk has been a legal resident of the United States for decades and became a naturalized citizen in 2002. However, Bannon’s persistent characterization of Musk as an opportunistic foreigner who has “turned against Trump and the American people” resonates with segments of the conservative base concerned about immigration enforcement and national loyalty. The controversy represents an unusual application of immigration rhetoric against one of the world’s wealthiest business leaders and most prominent technology innovators.
