Bannon, in an interview with an Italian newspaper, expressed concerns about the Tesla CEO’s access to the White House, saying, “Why do we have South Africans, the most racist people on earth, White South Africans … making any comments at all on what goes on in the United States?”
Bannon accused the tech billionaire of promoting a form of “techno-feudalism on a global scale” that favours the interest of Silicon Valley founders over American workers. According to him, Elon Musk’s advocacy for skilled-worker visas is a direct threat to his nationalist agenda.
The tension surrounding immigration policy was intensified in December 2024 when far-right activists confronted tech leaders over visa programmes that allow foreign professionals to work in the US.
At the heart of the confrontation was Elon Musk’s appointment to co-lead the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
DOGE was tasked with coming up with a way to streamline government operations. However, its lack of formal authority raises questions about its effectiveness.
On Christmas Day, Elon Musk reiterated his position on X, saying, “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low. If you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.”
Musk argued that his position on the matter was essential for maintaining the country’s technological edge. However, Bannon and his allies criticised these initiatives as harmful to American jobs, noting that Musk’s influence in the Trump circle could be wielded during his second term in office.
The number of people who are super-talented engineers AND super-motivated in the USA is far too low.
Think of this like a pro sports team: if you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 25, 2024
Bannon also called for Elon Musk’s access to the White House to be revoked after it was reported that the Tesla CEO currently holds a top-secret security clearance.
He told the Italian newspaper that he would “do anything” to keep Musk out of the White House.
