Here’s what Bannon had to say.
Steve Bannon has warned that the so-called “oligarchs” who align themselves with President Trump will eventually turn their backs on the Republican Party, just as they did with Democrats in the past. In an interview with CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan, Bannon, who previously served as a senior adviser to Trump, doubled down on his criticism of tech billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
Bannon emphasized that President Trump, while pragmatic, doesn’t fully trust these powerful elites. He argued that figures like Musk and Zuckerberg, once staunch supporters of the left, have now shifted to align with Trump, seeking influence and control over American politics. But Bannon cautioned that their loyalty is not guaranteed.
“They are with us now, but only for a brief period,” Bannon explained. “They are driven by their desire for power. Right now, they see the Republican Party as the path to their goals, but that could change in an instant.”
Bannon, who describes himself as a “populist nationalist,” is not shy about his criticisms of the Silicon Valley tech giants. He has made it clear that he believes figures like Musk are more interested in pushing their own personal agendas than advancing conservative values. Musk’s support for government efficiency, which Bannon refers to as a “freak experiment,” has further fueled Bannon’s distrust.
The populist firebrand went on to say that Musk, despite his popularity, is easily swayed by ideology and cannot be fully trusted to maintain a conservative agenda. Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, Bannon voiced similar concerns about the tech moguls’ involvement, stating that their participation in the event was part of a broader, opportunistic play to maintain relevance and control.
Ultimately, Bannon’s message is clear: The Republican Party should remain vigilant. While these influential figures might be supporting the GOP today, their loyalty is fleeting and driven solely by their pursuit of power. It’s a warning to Republicans to not be swayed by short-term alliances but to stay true to the movement that truly represents the people.