Former White House strategist Steve Bannon has launched a fierce public campaign against Elon Musk, calling on President Donald Trump to deport the billionaire entrepreneur, investigate his immigration status and alleged drug use, and seize control of SpaceX. Bannon’s incendiary remarks—delivered on his “War Room” podcast—have intensified an already escalating rift between Musk and the Trump administration, marking a dramatic breakdown in a relationship that once symbolized tech-industry support for Trump’s presidency.
Bannon Escalates Attacks: “Seize SpaceX Before Midnight”
On his Thursday podcast, Bannon urged President Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) to immediately seize SpaceX, Musk’s private aerospace company. The call came after Musk threatened to deactivate the Dragon spacecraft used to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
“The action that President Trump should be taking immediately… is to sign an executive order calling for the Defense Production Act to be invoked on SpaceX and seize SpaceX tonight, before midnight,” Bannon declared. Though the DPA allows the government to prioritize contracts for national defense, it does not explicitly grant the power to seize private companies.
Immigration Accusations and Calls for Deportation
Bannon further alleged that Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from South Africa, may be in the country illegally. Without providing evidence, he said, “They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status… I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately.”
These statements have drawn criticism from legal experts and immigration advocates who note that Musk became a U.S. citizen in 2002 and has held multiple federal clearances and contracts over the years.
Allegations of Drug Use and Security Threats
In addition to immigration claims, Bannon called for a probe into Musk’s alleged drug use and attempts to access classified Pentagon briefings. Musk has admitted to using doctor-prescribed ketamine to treat depression but denies any illegal substance use.
Bannon suggested that Musk’s security clearance should be suspended and all federal contracts canceled pending investigation. “He wants to play God,” Bannon said, “and he’s doing so with taxpayer money and access to national secrets.”
Fallout Over Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”
The feud erupted publicly after Musk criticized Trump’s sweeping tax and spending proposal—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill”—calling it a “disgusting abomination” and calling for Trump’s impeachment. In response, President Trump accused Musk of betrayal and warned that federal subsidies to Musk’s companies could be withdrawn.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore… He hasn’t said anything bad about me personally, but I’m sure that’ll be next.” Hours later, Musk blasted Trump on X, accusing the administration of hiding Epstein-related documents to protect the president.
From Ally to Adversary: Musk’s Political Shift
Musk’s fallout with Trump marks a sharp turn from their once-cooperative alliance. Musk served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency created by Trump to streamline federal bureaucracy. Bannon has since ridiculed DOGE as “ludicrous” and a failure, blaming Musk for its lack of impact.
In recent months, Musk has voiced support for a centrist political movement and has hinted at forming a new party. His growing criticism of Trump has positioned him at odds with the administration he once helped shape.
Market and Political Consequences Unfold
The public rupture has sent shockwaves through both the political and financial worlds. Tesla’s stock experienced a notable dip following the feud, and questions loom over the future of SpaceX’s lucrative federal contracts.
Meanwhile, Musk’s suggestion that Vice President JD Vance should take over the presidency has deepened Republican divisions, with some conservatives rallying around Trump and others questioning his increasingly volatile leadership. The confrontation also signals broader tensions between the tech sector and the Trump administration as the 2024 election approaches.
Legal and Constitutional Questions Arise
While Bannon’s demands for deportation and company seizure have fired up segments of Trump’s base, legal analysts argue such moves would face serious constitutional and statutory obstacles. The Defense Production Act, for instance, does not grant the president authority to nationalize private enterprises without congressional approval.
Still, with Trump now in his second term and enjoying sweeping executive power, the political theater surrounding Musk’s fate may have implications far beyond this single feud—testing the limits of presidential authority in modern America.
