There’s a rift in the Trump regime. It could create a political civil war.
And a Trump ally just sent an emergency request to the Pentagon that has grave consequences.
Bannon’s Clash with Musk Sparks Debate on the Right
Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in conservative circles, called for a thorough investigation into Elon Musk’s alleged attempts to access highly classified U.S. military briefings on potential conflicts with China. Speaking on UnHerd with host Freddie Sayers on Friday, Bannon raised concerns about the billionaire’s motives, questioning why someone with Musk’s business interests would seek sensitive Pentagon information.
His comments come amid growing tensions between Musk and the Trump administration, highlighting a potential fracture within the conservative coalition that could have long-term consequences for the movement, given Musk’s immense influence as a tech titan and public figure.
Bannon’s remarks were prompted by a report from The Atlantic, which detailed a planned Pentagon briefing for Musk that faced significant pushback from President Donald Trump. The report noted Trump’s apprehension about Musk’s extensive business ties to China, particularly through Tesla and other ventures, which raised questions about his suitability for receiving sensitive national security details. Trump’s reservations centered on the risks of sharing classified war plans, especially those concerning potential conflicts with Beijing, with someone whose financial interests are deeply intertwined with the Chinese market.
“Why is Elon Musk, who has no need to know of that whatsoever, why was he forcing himself into the Pentagon to get a highly-classified brief? That has to be investigated. And his security clearance should be held in abeyance, and with no security clearance he can’t run the companies,” Bannon said during the interview. His pointed critique suggests a deeper unease about Musk’s role in national security discussions, positioning the billionaire as a potential liability in the eyes of some conservative hardliners.
Bannon went further, arguing that Musk’s access to sensitive information, particularly regarding Taiwan and the Chinese Communist Party, should be restricted. He emphasized that Musk’s business dealings make him unfit for such briefings, a stance that aligns with Trump’s reported skepticism. The former White House strategist framed the issue as a matter of national security, urging immediate action to scrutinize Musk’s intentions and limit his influence in government circles.
“Yesterday as a CEO and founder and major shareholder of a company that gets 80% to 90% of its revenues off government contracts, he just willy-nilly said he’s canceled one of the biggest programs, coupled with the reports that have not been refuted. He didn’t want to deal with it in the Oval when he was asked a question by the Fox reporter,” Bannon said. He suggested using the Defense Production Act to install a stable management team to oversee Musk’s companies until his security clearance status is resolved, reflecting the severity of his concerns.
Bannon didn’t hold back in his characterization of Musk, calling him “an agent of influence of the Chinese Communist Party” and claiming he’s “owned lock, stock, and barrel.” According to Bannon, Trump was incensed when he learned of Musk’s efforts to secure a Pentagon briefing on U.S. military strategies against China.
“President Trump was outraged when he found out that Elon Musk determined himself to force the generals and the senior staff of the Pentagon to give him a highly classified briefing on the war plans with China. Why would Elon Musk need that other than to maybe talk to his business partners about it?” Bannon asked. The question highlights Bannon’s deep suspicion that Musk’s interests may not align with those of the administration, despite his earlier alignment with Trump’s agenda.
Musk’s tensions with the Trump administration extended beyond Bannon’s criticisms. An official told reporters that Musk frequently clashed with Sergio Gor, director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, over staffing decisions and policy disputes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also took steps to limit Musk’s access to the State Department, while the Pentagon restricted his involvement in sensitive discussions, signaling an effort to curb his influence within the administration.
The public feud between Trump and Musk escalated on Thursday, with both figures trading barbs and financial threats. Trump suggested that Musk’s frustration stemmed from a bill’s failure to align with his vision, particularly after it removed an electric vehicle mandate, implying that Musk’s objections were driven by financial interests rather than principle.
Musk fired back on X, denying Trump’s claims and stating he had not reviewed the bill in question, which he criticized for being rushed through Congress. Following Trump’s 2024 election victory, Musk was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with slashing wasteful spending. However, by late May, Musk announced the end of his tenure as a special government employee, marking a swift exit from his formal role in the administration.
The clash between Bannon, Trump, and Musk reveals a delicate balancing act for the Right. Musk’s influence—through his leadership of Tesla, SpaceX, and X—extends far beyond traditional political boundaries, making him a powerful ally or a formidable adversary. Pushing him away risks alienating a figure whose vision and resources have reshaped industries and public discourse, a move that could weaken the conservative coalition in the long run after the Trump era has concluded with the end of the second term.
