On June 5, former White House strategist Steve Bannon called for a formal probe into Elon Musk’s citizenship status, alleging the South African-born tech magnate may be in the U.S. illegally. Bannon’s remarks came amid a fiery dispute between Musk and former President Donald Trump regarding the controversial “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Speaking on his “War Room” webcast and in an interview with The New York Times, Bannon accused Musk of being an undocumented immigrant and insisted he be deported immediately. “Let’s start with the South Africans,” Bannon said, referencing Trump’s broader immigration crackdown policies.
Musk, a major Trump donor with a $250 million contribution to the 2024 campaign, has come under renewed scrutiny. Although now a U.S. citizen, The Washington Post previously reported that Musk may have worked in the country illegally before obtaining legal status, fueling Bannon’s skepticism.
Adding fuel to the fire, Bannon referenced recent allegations about Musk’s use of substances like ketamine — claims Musk denies — suggesting they warrant investigation.
Bannon also backed Trump’s hint that Musk’s federal contracts should be revoked in response to the escalating feud. “Pull the contracts immediately,” Bannon urged.
The fallout between Musk and Trump has grown increasingly public and vitriolic. After Musk called Trump’s legislative proposal a “disgusting abomination,” Trump’s allies, including Bannon, responded with sharp rebukes. Musk retaliated on his X platform with posts linking Trump to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and claiming credit for Trump’s past political success.
“Trump elevated him more than anyone else in this administration,” Bannon said, “and now he turns on him with the most vicious attacks.”
