Steve Bannon, a former adviser to President-elect Trump, called tech billionaire Elon Musk a “true bad guy” and vowed to “defeat” him.
He said this in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. Highlighted by MediaiteMr. Bannon harshly criticized Mr. Musk, who was selected by President Trump to co-head the Department of Government Efficiency.
“We're going to get Elon Musk out of here by Inauguration Day,” Bannon said, adding, “He's a really evil man, a very bad man.” I made it my personal mission to take down this man. ”
Trump is set to become president for the second time soon, but Musk's influence in the next administration remains unclear.
Bannon criticized Musk over the ongoing debate over H-1B visas. Musk supports work programs that allow the United States to attract international talent. But President Trump's base does not support the program, and the fight over the topic is heating up.
Some say the visas will draw specialized talent into the country, while others say employers can hire from abroad and pay workers less than they would if they hired Americans.
Musk himself is from South Africa and was once an H-1B visa holder.
“The problem with H-1B visas is that the entire immigration system has been manipulated by the tech overlords. They're using it for their own benefit, and the public is outraged.” Bannon said.
He called South Africans the most racist people on the planet and criticized Mr. Musk's legacy.
“He should go back to South Africa,” Bannon said. “Why do we have white South Africans, the most racist people on the planet, and let them make any comments about what's going on in the United States?”
Bannon doubled down on his criticism, saying Musk has the maturity of a “little boy” and is only interested in increasing his wealth.
The Hill has reached out to Musk for comment.
