Bannon Urges Trump to Seize SpaceX, Deport Musk
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has called for a federal investigation into Elon Musk’s immigration history, claiming the billionaire tech mogul may be in the United States illegally and should be deported.
His comments came amidst a rapidly escalating feud between Musk and former President Donald Trump that unfolded publicly on Thursday, June 5.
Speaking to The New York Times, Bannon stated, “They should initiate a formal investigation into his immigration status.
I strongly believe Elon Musk is an illegal alien and should be deported from the country immediately.”
Bannon, a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, intensified his attack during a segment on his webcast Bannon’s War Room, where he referred to Musk’s past involvement with the White House’s now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Elon Musk is illegal, and he’s got to go,” Bannon repeated. “You want to deport people? Let’s start with the South Africans.”
Musk, who was born in South Africa and later emigrated to Canada before becoming a U.S. citizen, is one of the most high-profile immigrants in the tech world.
He is also one of Trump’s major campaign donors for the 2024 election, reportedly contributing over $250 million.
However, recent reports have resurfaced claims that Musk may have worked in the U.S. before obtaining legal work authorization—a claim that Bannon and others are now using to question the legitimacy of Musk’s citizenship.
In addition, Bannon highlighted concerns around Musk’s alleged drug use, which was detailed in a recent New York Times report alleging Musk had used ketamine and other substances. Musk has publicly denied the claims.
“The drug thing is going to be investigated, mark my words,” Bannon said on his show, suggesting it could be another avenue for legal action or deportation.
Tensions between Musk and Trump exploded this week over Trump’s legislative push for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Musk criticized the bill as a “disgusting abomination,” prompting a backlash from Trump and his allies.
Bannon sided with Trump and urged immediate retaliation. “I would cancel all of Musk’s government contracts.
Drastic action is needed now,” he said. Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, have benefited from billions in federal subsidies and contracts.
The feud reached a boiling point after Musk posted a series of provocative tweets on his social platform X, implying that Trump had links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and claiming that his own support helped Trump win the 2024 election.
Bannon, clearly incensed, accused Musk of betrayal. “President Trump empowered him more than anyone. He defended him, promoted him, and this is how he repays that loyalty,” he said.
“I warned that Musk wasn’t with us. He’s not one of us. He’s incompetent, and now he’s turning on the movement.”
The fallout marks one of the most dramatic splits yet between Trump and one of his most prominent backers, with legal threats, immigration accusations, and political betrayals all unfolding in real time.
Bannon Urges Trump to Seize SpaceX, Deport Musk