A public disagreement between Steve Bannon, ex-White House strategist under Donald Trump, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has thrown a spotlight on deep-seated discord within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement regarding immigration policy, specifically the H-1B visa program. The contention, based on Musk’s endorsement of the program, was manifested in various public comments and online dialogues.
Bannon escalated the dispute during his “War Room” podcast, issuing a direct warning, “If you’re going to do that, we’re going to rip your face off.” Musk had earlier vouched for the H-1B visa program on his platform, X, attributing it to his and other skilled professionals’ significant contributions to the technological and economic development of the United States.
Bannon, a well-known figure in conservative politics, has been confronted with various legal issues. In 2022, he was indicted with contempt of Congress for refusing a subpoena from the January 6th committee. Bannon also faced fraud accusations related to the “We Build the Wall” campaign, which reportedly raised over $25 million for building a border wall. Bannon was accused of misusing funds for personal gain, but President Trump later pardoned him for federal charges. Nonetheless, he has since been charged with money laundering and conspiracy at the state level in New York.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg characterized the allegations as a breach of trust, highlighting that profiting from deception is a prosecutable crime. Bannon, who pleaded not guilty, has described the charges as driven by political motives. His trial in New York is scheduled for February 2025, following multiple postponements.
Musk, a South African native, came to the U.S. via the H-1B program, which he credits for the success of companies like SpaceX and Tesla. In response to criticism, Musk emphasized the program’s importance for maintaining America’s competitive advantage, stating, “The reason I’m in America, along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies, is because of H-1B.” Musk also confronted critics, including Bannon, who has called for a halt to all immigration, accusing the tech sector of exploiting foreign labor to the detriment of American workers.
This quarrel emphasizes broader tensions within the Republican base. Former President Trump, despite his restrictive immigration policies, showed support for the H-1B program, aligning himself with Musk and causing friction with some of his anti-immigration followers. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times,” Trump said, referencing his own business experiences.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer added fuel to the fire by alleging Musk to be a national security risk, based on supposed interactions with Chinese officials. Bannon dismissed these concerns, choosing instead to focus on Musk’s role in redefining Republican policy conversations. Bannon chastised Musk for his lack of political strategy experience and downplayed his increasing influence within the MAGA movement.
The H-1B program, introduced in 1990, lets U.S. firms hire foreign workers in specialized fields, especially in technology and engineering. It limits annual visas to 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for those with advanced degrees. While business leaders argue the program is critical for innovation and global competitiveness, populist conservatives have called for its suspension, arguing it harms American workers.
This internal disagreement over immigration policy mirrors a wider ideological split within the Republican Party. Business-focused conservatives see programs like H-1B as crucial to economic growth, while populist groups advocate for stricter overall immigration controls.
Musk’s pugnacious stance has garnered both commendation and censure from within the GOP. His remarks, including referring to some Trump-aligned individuals as “contemptible fools,” have intensified the rift between tech-friendly conservatives and immigration hardliners.
The ongoing debate over immigration could have substantial implications for U.S. policy and the tech industry. The Biden administration has also expressed support for skilled immigration, ensuring the issue remains central in national politics.
Meanwhile, Bannon, who has resumed his influence in far-right circles following his release from federal custody after a prison sentence for defying a congressional subpoena, continues to make his presence felt.
