While there are several issues dividing the Trump camp, there is one common denominator, perhaps even the target of ire for most Republicans — Elon Musk. The billionaire-CEO’s rapid rise in Trump’s inner circle doesn’t appear to have gone down particularly well with those who have supported Trump — in various capacities — over the years, or even new Trumpers.
Follow our live blog for the latest updates from Donald Trump’s inauguration today
The most recent battle fought online was over the H-1B visa controversy, with most chest-thumping ‘MAGA’ (Make America Great Again) Republicans vocally in favour of scrapping it as it, perceivedly, takes jobs away from Americans. Elon Musk, himself once an H-1B beneficiary, didn’t take this well, vowing to go to war with anyone opposed to the visa programme.
Musk was vindicated when Trump came out in his support, and while the issue still rages on, it is symptomatic of how Trump’s base sees Elon Musk — as a brash outsider who has no business in government: He’s been appointed the co-lead of the Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE, but it remains to be seen how much executive power DOGE has.
Most of Trump’s hardcore base seems to have one issue — Musk and his ready, unfettered access to power. They see him as a brash outsider who bought access to the corridors of power by way of campaign contributions totalling $270 million.
Let’s break down all the figurative fisticuffs Musk has been involved in since Trump’s historic November 5 victory.
The H-1B visa controversy:
At the heart of the discord is Musk’s staunch advocacy for the H-1B visa programme and his butting heads with those opposed to it.
Laura Loomer, a far-right activist. (Image: Reuters)
Laura Loomer: Conservative activist and failed 2024 Congressional candidate Laura Loomer first launched an anti-Indian, anti-immigrant racist tirade on Musk-owned X and soon found herself the target of the maverick billionaire, who vowed to go to war with her. She has also accused Musk of using X (formerly Twitter) to censor MAGA voices critical of his stance.
Steve Bannon. (Image: Reuters)
Steve Bannon: Steve Bannon, a former chief strategist to Trump during the latter’s first term, has been one of Musk’s most vocal critics. He has accused Musk of supporting a visa system that he believes undermines American workers by facilitating the importation of cheaper foreign labour. Bannon has gone as far as calling Musk “a truly evil guy” and vowing to “take this guy down.”
Gavin Mario Wax: As president of the New York Young Republican Club, Wax has criticised Musk’s approach to free speech on X, particularly after losing his verification badge following his opposition to Musk’s H-1B support. He accuses Musk of betraying conservative principles by censoring dissent.
Personal ambitions and influence
Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Musk’s role in Trump’s administration: Musk’s significant financial backing of Trump’s campaign has granted him unprecedented access and influence, leading to accusations of him acting “like he’s the co-president.” This sentiment has been shared across Trump’s inner circle, with Bannon explicitly stating that Musk lacks the “power” to make decisions but certainly has influence.
Conflict with Vivek Ramaswamy: There’s also tension with Vivek Ramaswamy, a businessman and failed presidential candidate, appointed to co-lead DOGE with Musk. Ramaswamy’s more nationalist approach contrasts with Musk’s globalist business practices, leading to nuanced disagreements over policy direction. Musk may have had the last word in this, with reports emerging on Monday (January 20) that Ramaswamy is stepping away from the DOGE due to “friction with staff” and is eyeing the Ohio gubernatorial race.
Economic policies and corporate welfare
Criticism on government subsidies: Musk’s companies, particularly Tesla, have benefited from substantial government subsidies. Critics like Bannon argue this contradicts the MAGA ethos of reducing government interference in business, accusing Musk of hypocrisy. Bannon has highlighted Musk’s reliance on government contracts while pushing for less regulation.
Peter Navarro: Despite not being in Trump’s current inner circle, former trade adviser Peter Navarro has previously criticised Musk for his business dealings with China, aligning with Bannon’s concerns about Musk’s international business ties potentially conflicting with American interests.
To protect his electric vehicle factory in Shanghai, @elonmusk has been a loud, kowtowing bull in the pro-China lobbying shop. Mr. Musk openly praises the butchers of Beijing — their persecution of Uyghurs, Christians and political dissidents be damned.https://t.co/X0nl5oX6p2
— Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) January 17, 2024
**Ideological Purity and Nationalism:**
MAGA’s core values: The MAGA movement prioritises ‘America First’ policies, which some see as being undermined by Musk’s actions, particularly through his immigration stance and international business expansions. This has led to a broader questioning of Musk’s alignment with MAGA’s nationalist agenda.
Right-wing online activist Ali Alexander. (Image: Reuters)
Ali Alexander: The organiser of the ‘Stop the Steal’ rally, Ali Alexander — banned, reinstated and then banned again from X — has openly criticised Musk for what he perceives as a lack of commitment to MAGA principles, particularly on social media, where Musk’s platform has been accused of unevenly enforcing content moderation policies.
How this could play out
The friction between Musk and Trump allies like Steve Bannon, Laura Loomer, and others goes beyond mere policy disagreements. It touches on fundamental questions about the direction of the MAGA movement, the purity of its ideological commitments, and the balance of power within Trump’s administration.
Musk’s role, both as a financial benefactor and policy influencer, has positioned him in a contentious spot, where his globalist business practices clash with the nationalist, protectionist views held by many in Trump’s base. As Trump’s second term unfolds, how these tensions are managed will not only define the administration’s policy direction but also the cohesion of the Republican Party’s most fervent supporters.
Also read: Trump’s H-1B Tightrope Walk: Silicon Valley dreams crash into MAGA reality
