Bannon vs. Musk: Explosive Feud Erupts as MAGA Allies Turn Against Each Other

The once-aligned power players clash in a bitter battle over Trump, immigration, and the future of American politics

Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D July 4, 2025

Steve Bannon; Creator/Youtube Screenshot

NEW YORK — What initially appeared to be a clash based on ideological differences between two of America's most controversial figures has escalated into a fierce verbal feud. Steve Bannon, the former White House strategist and staunch MAGA supporter, has launched a new attack on tech billionaire Elon Musk, accusing him of disloyalty, criminal behavior, and not truly representing American values.

The tension intensified after Musk floated the idea of forming a third political party, called the “America Party,” through a poll he posted to his 220 million followers on X (formerly Twitter). Bannon viewed this as a direct challenge to Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s hold on power ahead of the upcoming election.

“No, brother, you’re not an American. You’re a South African,” Bannon said during his War Room podcast episode Friday. Despite Musk obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2002, Bannon continues to cast doubt on his status, demanding investigations and even deportation.

Though Musk became a U.S. citizen in 2002, Bannon continues to question his loyalty, calling for investigations and even suggesting he should be deported. Bannon mocked Musk as “Elmo the Mook,” adding, “You should be deported because it’s a crime of what you did—among many.”

Not one to shy away from online battles, Musk responded on his own platform, labeling Bannon “The fat, drunken slob” and adding, “will go back to prison and this time for a long time. He has a lifetime of crime to pay for.”

Bannon’s recent four-month jail sentence, for defying a congressional subpoena related to the January 6 investigation, is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Despite his release in October, he continues to fiercely oppose anyone questioning Trump’s dominance, especially within the MAGA movement. Meanwhile, Musk has become more vocal in criticizing Trump's legislative efforts. He criticized the recently passed “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a key part of Trump's fiscal policy, arguing that it increases national debt and endangers Tesla’s profitability by eliminating green energy tax credits.

The divide also runs deeper beneath the surface, rooted in ideological and cultural differences. Bannon has criticized Musk’s leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), questioned his personal habits, and accused him of being out of touch with ordinary Americans.

“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 said.

Musk has not held back either, previously calling Bannon a “r------d liar,” “dumber than a doorstop,” and “truly peak r----d.”

Once seen as allies within the same political circle, the two now seem to be embroiled in a personal and ideological conflict—one that could have major repercussions for the future of the conservative movement and reveal deeper fault lines within the Trump-aligned right.