Steve Bannon, a former advisor to Trump, has taken strong issue with Elon Musk, a key ally of Trump and head of the Government Efficiency Bureau (DOGE), accusing him of prioritizing his own interests over those of the nation.
Bannon commented that the reported tensions between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent surfaced during Semaphore’s World Economic Summit on Wednesday.
During the discussion, Semafor’s editor-in-chief Ben Smith inquired of Bannon regarding the economy’s status amidst Trump’s tariffs and if he believes Bencent is managing the economy.
“Well, he’s not the one managing the economy, but he is dependable,” Bannon replied.
Bannon, the host of the “Warroom” podcast, recalled Musk’s past controversies with major Trump allies regarding the H-1B work visa.
When uncertainty loomed around Bescent’s nomination, Bannon expressed that Trump required someone as “steady” as rocks.
“I might not fully agree, but he speaks the truth, it’s Scott Becent,” Bannon added.
“If Howard Lutnick had been the Treasury Secretary, it would have been an undeniable catastrophe.”
Even prior to Trump’s administration, Bannon pledged to counter Musk’s influence, labeling Tesla’s CEO “a genuinely wicked man.”
This feud partially originated when Bannon criticized Musk during the H-1B visa discussion. Musk supports the work program, while Trump’s supporters aimed to eliminate it.
Bannon’s comments arise as Musk is poised to step back from his role in the administration.
