With former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) out of California’s Democratic gubernatorial primary race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, billionaire Tom Steyer is pushing his proposed policies forward on social media. When Steyer wrote, “How California Can Put ICE in Jail,” X owner and fellow billionaire Elon Musk replied, “Wow.”
Steyer — who made his fortune from his hedge fund Farallon Capital — replied to Musk, “‘Wow’ is right. ICE is a criminal organization. As governor, I’ll prosecute them like one.”
“Wow” is right. ICE is a criminal organization. As governor, I’ll prosecute them like one. https://t.co/mBO49tfxd1
— Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) April 15, 2026
[NOTE: Over the years, Musk has repeatedly clashed with Newsom over a series of issues including immigration policies. Musk supported Trump’s immigration enforcement actions in California and National Guard deployment during protests against ICE raids in L.A. Musk eventually moved the headquarters of X and Tesla to Texas.]
MAGA reactions to Steyer’s candidacy and comments are on brand. President Trump today called Steyer a “SLEAZEBAG” and “a LOSER” and urged his followers to vote for the GOP candidate he endorsed, British-born former Fox News personality Steve Hilton, who served as director of strategy for British prime minister David Cameron from 2010 to 2012.
Steyer replied to Trump’s post: “California: The man who brought you $8 gasoline would like you to vote for Steve Hilton.”
California: The man who brought you $8 gasoline would like you to vote for Steve Hilton. pic.twitter.com/aJtfssRyl3
— Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) April 15, 2026
Conservative political pundit Mike Solana replied to Steyer: “So frustrating man bc you could have just bought a sports team or a fleet of yachts and bimbo models to massage that ego in old age, but instead you decided to larp a civil war.” Another influencer, hasanabi, replied with snark: “billionaire on billionaire violence.”