Elon Musk Claims Steve Bannon Will Return to Prison Amid Feud with Trump

Elon Musk raised eyebrows by asserting that Steve Bannon, the former Trump aide, is headed back to prison. Musk made this claim on social media during a heated exchange involving rivalries with Donald Trump.

Musk responded to a suggestion that Bannon plans to “nationalize” Musk’s company, SpaceX, with the statement, “Bannon is going back to prison. This time for a long time.”

Conflict Between Trump and Musk

The remark came after ex-president Donald Trump criticized Musk on social media over his opposition to the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a budget proposal that Trump argues cuts essential electric vehicle mandates. Musk denounced the bill as an “abomination” likely to worsen the national debt. Trump responded by hinting at the possibility of reevaluating Musk’s government contracts. This dispute marked a notable shift in their previously friendly relationship.

Supporter @spacesudoer also chimed in, suggesting that cutting EV subsidies would benefit Tesla financially and criticizing Trump’s handling of space missions, implying he might need Russia’s help to send astronauts to space again.

Friction with Steve Bannon

Musk has openly criticized Bannon, whom he called a “communist” who “advocates crime,” following Bannon’s public remarks urging Trump to control SpaceX. Bannon, after serving a four-month sentence for defying a congressional subpoena related to the January 6 Capitol riot, was released from custody in October 2024.

Earlier this month, Musk labeled Bannon a “communist r—–” and accused him of promoting crime, in response to a Bannon clip calling for Trump to influence SpaceX. The backlash reflects a growing rift between the two figures.

Trump and Musk’s Deteriorating Relationship

Once considered close allies, Trump and Musk’s relationship has soured over differences concerning the green energy initiatives in Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which Musk criticizes as harmful to the economy. Trump, meanwhile, expressed disappointment, accusing Musk of opposing his policies for personal reasons, especially related to Tesla’s interests.

The public spat intensified on social media, with Trump threatening to revoke Musk’s government contracts and Musk making unsubstantiated allegations about Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein in return.