Bannon Calls for Musk Drug Probe, SpaceX Nationalization

Steve Bannon is calling for a special counsel investigation into Elon Musk, escalating a public feud between two prominent figures associated with the MAGA movement. Bannon, speaking on “Sunday Night with Chuck Todd,” demanded scrutiny of Musk’s federal contracts and alleged drug use, citing concerns about national security and potential conflicts of interest. He specifically suggested temporarily revoking Musk’s security clearance pending a thorough investigation.

The call for investigation follows recent reporting in The New York Times detailing Musk’s use of substances including Adderall, ecstasy, and psilocybin mushrooms, raising anxieties among those close to him. Musk himself has acknowledged using ketamine to manage depression. Bannon’s demands come after former President Donald Trump publicly labeled Musk a “big-time drug addict” and suggested drug use may have contributed to a recent falling out between the two.

Bannon highlighted the $38 billion in federal subsidies Musk’s companies have received over the past decade, arguing this warrants a deeper look. He also expressed concern over SpaceX and Starlink, suggesting SpaceX should be nationalized and questioning the presence of Starlink technology within the White House.

The animosity between Bannon and Musk is well-documented. Musk has previously characterized Bannon with highly offensive and derogatory terms, referencing his prison sentence for defying a subpoena from the January 6th House Committee.

Beyond the drug use allegations, Bannon voiced suspicions about Musk’s potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party and questioned a reported near-briefing Musk was to receive at the Pentagon regarding potential U.S. military action involving China, a briefing former President Trump reportedly intervened to halt.

The White House has remained tight-lipped regarding whether Musk underwent drug testing during his time advising the administration on government efficiency. Bannon asserted that Musk would not have passed a standard security clearance, even at a low level. This escalating conflict highlights a growing rift within the conservative sphere, raising questions about loyalty, security, and the future direction of the MAGA movement.

It’s a bizarre situation. The level of vitriol from Bannon feels disproportionate, even considering their history. While legitimate questions can be raised about security clearances and the handling of federal funds, the intensity of the attacks, coupled with the unsubstantiated claims of CCP influence, feels more like a personal vendetta than a genuine concern for national security. Musk’s admitted drug use is certainly a valid area of inquiry, but the framing by Bannon appears designed to inflict maximum damage and sow discord. The entire episode underscores the increasingly fractured and unpredictable nature of political alliances in the current climate.