Infighting among Donald Trump’s closest allies is intensifying as factions within the MAGA coalition begin to clash over influence and direction ahead of Inauguration Day. Central to the turmoil is a high-profile rift between conservative strategist Steve Bannon and billionaire Elon Musk, with Bannon pledging to have Musk “run out of Trump orbit” before Trump’s inauguration.
The conflict underscores deep divisions within the coalition that propelled Trump to his second presidential victory. Bannon, a longtime MAGA strategist and former White House chief strategist, accuses Musk of undermining the movement’s core principles, claiming the billionaire’s tech-focused agenda and public statements are at odds with Trump’s populist platform.
Musk, who has emerged as a polarizing figure within the conservative movement since acquiring Twitter (now X), has maintained his public support for free speech and technology-driven solutions. However, his perceived proximity to Trump has drawn criticism from factions who view him as an outsider with conflicting priorities.
Tim Miller, a former Republican National Committee spokesman and host of The Bulwark Podcast, describes the escalating feud as a symptom of broader fractures within the MAGA coalition. “This is no longer a unified front,” Miller says. “The factions are jockeying for power, and that’s creating chaos.”
Princeton University Professor Eddie Glaude echoes these sentiments, noting the ideological inconsistencies within the coalition. “What we’re seeing is a battle for influence in a movement that was always held together by Trump’s persona more than by shared goals or values,” Glaude explains.
Trump, keenly aware of the infighting, is reportedly focused on consolidating his influence and safeguarding his legacy. “Donald Trump knows this is his last chance to legacy build,” says Times Radio’s Kate McCann. “If he starts to see those around him causing problems that could impact his legacy, I’m not sure they will stick around for very long.”
The rift between Bannon and Musk is emblematic of the larger struggle to define the MAGA movement’s future. While Bannon’s traditional populist agenda emphasizes nationalism and anti-establishment rhetoric, Musk represents a tech-savvy, libertarian wing that appeals to younger, more tech-oriented conservatives.
As Inauguration Day approaches, the Trump team is under increasing pressure to resolve internal disputes and present a unified front. The stakes are high, not just for Trump’s administration but for the broader conservative movement, which risks alienating key demographics amid these divisions.
Observers suggest that the outcome of this power struggle will shape the direction of Trump’s presidency and the Republican Party. Whether Trump chooses to side with Bannon’s traditionalist base or Musk’s tech-focused faction remains to be seen, but the infighting highlights the challenges of maintaining unity in a diverse and often discordant coalition.
