Former White House adviser Steve Bannon has called for tech billionaire Elon Musk to be deported from the United States.
This came after a heated public clash between President Donald Trump and Musk on Thursday, June 5, over Trump’s highly debated One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Bannon’s demand was made live on his webcast Bannon’s War Room, where he strongly questioned Musk’s immigration status.
“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 told The New York Times.
The immigration fight adds a surprising twist to what was once a strong political relationship between Trump and Musk.
Moreover, it highlights rising tensions inside Trump’s MAGA circle, especially as election season heats up.
Musk, originally from South Africa, has long been seen as one of Trump’s influential supporters.
Reports show he donated nearly \$250 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
However, things took a turn after Musk criticized Trump’s megabill, calling it a “disgusting abomination.”
In response, Trump defended the bill, setting off a war of words between both powerhouses.
During Thursday’s episode of War Room, Bannon didn’t hold back.
He accused Musk of hiding behind his citizenship and questioned its legality.
“Elon Musk is illegal, and he’s got to go,” Bannon said. “He’s illegal? Deport immediately.”
Furthermore, he took the immigration issue a step further by saying, “You’re going to ship these other people home. Let’s start with the South Africans, OK?”
The Washington Post had previously reported that Musk might have worked in the U.S. illegally before gaining citizenship.
This report continues to fuel suspicion among Trump allies, especially as Musk’s influence continues to grow in government and media.
Meanwhile, Bannon pointed to Musk’s alleged drug use as further cause for concern.
“The drug thing is going to be investigated,” Bannon added.
This comes after The New York Times reported on Musk’s supposed ketamine use on the campaign trail, which Musk has since denied.
Tensions have grown since Musk began openly criticizing Trump’s actions.
On his X platform, Musk even posted statements linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein and claiming he helped Trump win the presidency.
These posts caused a major stir online.
Bannon, visibly frustrated, said Trump once gave Musk massive support within the government.
“President Trump empowered him more than anyone has ever been empowered in this government,” Bannon said.
“Even when people like me said, ‘You’re making a mistake. This is a bad guy. He’s going to turn on you.’”
In addition, Bannon backed Trump’s call to end Musk’s government contracts.
“It needs dramatic action. I would pull all the contracts immediately,” he stated.
Despite Musk’s contributions and past loyalty, Bannon’s attack reveals the deepening divide among former Trump allies.
