Bannon Calls Musk ‘Parasitic Immigrant’

Stephen K. Bannon Reignites Conflict with Elon Musk, Calls Him a “Parasitic Illegal Immigrant”

In a recent interview with the British news outlet UnHerd, Stephen K. Bannon, former White House chief strategist under President Donald Trump, has reignited his ongoing feud with Elon Musk, the controversial billionaire and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. Bannon’s incendiary comments, published online on Tuesday, included calling Musk a “parasitic illegal immigrant” and criticized his approach to governance and business.

Bannon’s remarks stemmed from interviews conducted last week, where he expressed disdain for Musk’s influence and policies. “Musk is a parasitic illegal immigrant. He wants to impose his freak experiments and play-act as God without any respect for the country’s history, values, or traditions,” Bannon stated. The reference to Musk’s immigration status highlights a complex narrative, given that Musk was born in South Africa and has faced scrutiny regarding his visa overstay while building his fortune in America. Although Musk has publicly denied these accusations, Bannon’s comments reflect a broader tension surrounding nationality and the roles played by influential figures in American politics.

This is not the first time Bannon has attacked Musk. In the past, he has labeled Musk a “truly evil person” and expressed intentions to limit his access to political circles, particularly the White House. Bannon’s criticism seems to echo a growing sentiment among certain factions of the Republican Party, who view Musk’s actions and affiliations as inconsistent with the party’s values.

Musk’s relationship with Trump has been complicated but ultimately beneficial to both. Despite initially causing friction during the presidential transition due to his high-profile presence at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, Musk has since positioned himself as an internal strategist for the Trump administration. Known for his significant influence on executive orders focusing on government efficiency and budget cuts, Musk has become an integral part of Trump’s strategy to reshape the federal workforce.

As Musk continues to play a critical role in Trump’s political maneuvering, he has simultaneously become a target for Democratic criticism. Bannon himself noted in the UnHerd interview, “It’s pretty evident the president’s using him as an armor-piercing shell that’s delivering blunt force trauma against the administrative state.” This analogy underscores the perception that Musk is not just a businessman but a weapon in the broader cultural and political battles being fought in America today.

However, Bannon has been critical of Musk’s priorities, particularly regarding his lack of engagement with the Pentagon despite the many contracts Musk’s companies maintain with the Defense Department. This disappointment highlights Bannon’s belief that Musk is not adequately focusing on national defense, an area of great concern for many in the conservative movement. Bannon has argued that Musk’s work has become “performative,” suggesting that the billionaire’s public personas do not substantively contribute to the movement that propelled Trump’s election.

The relationship between Bannon, Trump, and Musk illustrates an intricate web of alliances and rivalries within the Republican Party. Despite their history of disagreements, Bannon has managed to restore his relationship with Trump, maintaining influence among Trump loyalists. His show, “War Room,” has garnered a dedicated following, situating him as a significant voice within Trump’s political base.

Interestingly, Musk has largely refrained from engaging directly with Bannon’s criticisms over the past few months. Recently, he took to his social media platform, X, to deliver a broader critique: “Bannon is a great talker, but not a great doer. What did he get done this week? Nothing.” This remark encapsulates Musk’s dismissive attitude towards Bannon’s political theatrics, suggesting a desire to focus on actionable results rather than mere rhetoric.

As this conflict unfolds, both figures seem to represent contrasting visions of America’s future—Bannon standing for a conservative ideation deeply rooted in traditional values and Musk embodying a more modern, tech-driven approach that nonetheless challenges the very foundations of those traditions. Their exchange not only highlights personal animosities but also reflects an ideological struggle within the framework of contemporary American politics.

In this ongoing saga, it remains to be seen how this public feud will impact the political landscape, particularly as both figures continue to navigate their roles within the turbulent waters of national and global politics. With tensions likely to escalate as the political climate shifts, observers will keenly watch to see if further developments arise from this notable clash between two of America’s most polarizing figures.