Steve Bannon criticized billionaire Elon Musk on Monday for his ongoing criticism of the GOP spending bill, which followed Musk’s suggestion about establishing a third party.
“Elon Musk is out there, and I’m not saying this will definitely happen, but he’s lighting up the president and the media, saying it’s time for a third party,” Bannon remarked on the “War Room” podcast.
“And I think he’s calling it, in his very mature way, the ‘porky pig bill.’ He just keeps on advocating for spending.”
Musk has spoken out against the Republican legislative package that’s supported by Trump, a bill he claims will escalate national debt by trillions while increasing defense spending and rolling back electric vehicle (EV) credits.
“All members of Congress who campaigned on cutting government spending and then swiftly voted for the largest debt increase in history should feel embarrassed and hang their heads!” Musk said on his platform, X.
“And if that’s the last thing I do here, they’ll lose their primaries next year,” he added.
Musk has made it clear he stands behind his opposition to the GOP. Rep. Thomas Massey (R-Ky.) has openly challenged Trump.
Since distancing himself from Trump last month, Musk has toyed with the idea of starting a third party, mentioning an “American Party” back in June.
Bannon has repeatedly warned Musk about potentially betraying the GOP, calling him a “truly evil man” motivated by self-interest.
This past spring, Bannon urged officials to look into special advisors regarding reported drug use, and he has criticized billionaires for their inability to drive effective government efficiency aimed at reducing the federal government’s size.
“This is the same guy who told the president he would cut $2 trillion in waste, fraud, and abuse, but he managed only $1 trillion over a decade,” Bannon stated.
“I know some of your supporters say we got $160 billion in cuts, but I haven’t seen that. All we have is a $9 billion withdrawal, and it’s all programmatic. I haven’t seen any specific proposals regarding fraud or abuse—nothing,” he continued.
Trump suggested on Tuesday that Musk might face backlash sooner than expected due to his lack of support from the White House.
“Elon Musk knew I was totally against the EV mandate long before he supported me for president,” Trump noted on Truth Social shortly after midnight on Tuesday. “It’s ridiculous and has always been central to my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but no one should be compelled to own one.”
“Elon may receive more subsidies than anyone else in history, but without those, he might have to close up shop and head back to South Africa,” he added. “There will be no more rocket launches, satellites, or electric vehicles produced. Our country saves a lot of money.”
