Former White House aide Steve Bannon recently offered guarded praise for Elon Musk following Musk's appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) over the weekend. Despite a history of friction between the two, Bannon acknowledged Musk as 'probably, on the oligarch side, the least offensive.'
When asked about his previous criticism of Musk, Bannon clarified that their relationship is an 'alliance of convenience.' He emphasized that while Musk may not be an ally, his Department of Government Efficiency's work in the new Trump administration was commendable.
Bannon expressed skepticism towards Musk, stating, 'I don't agree with Elon on everything, but the one thing I do think is very powerful is DOGE are like, it’s like a shock to the system.' He also praised Musk's responses during his CPAC appearance.
However, Bannon has recently engaged in more critical rhetoric towards Musk, particularly regarding policy differences, including immigration. Earlier in the week, Bannon criticized Musk and other tech billionaires for their support of the MAGA movement.
Despite their differences, Bannon's nuanced perspective on Musk reflects a complex relationship shaped by political dynamics. While acknowledging Musk's contributions, Bannon remains cautious about trusting individuals he categorizes as oligarchs, emphasizing their tendency to prioritize power over allegiance.
