UJ
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Through direct discussions and brief text messages, Steve Bannon, the nationalist strategist and populist provocateur, works to monitor the inner dynamics of the White House.
His inquiries extend across high-ranking officials within President Donald Trump’s administration, and one official mentioned that they often distill into a blunt question: “What the heck are you doing?”
“I try to avoid being a nuisance,” Bannon said during an interview, laughing at the description of his way of communicating. “They have a lot on their plates. When I reach out, it’s not just to chat. It’s to inquire, ‘What on earth is going on? How did we get here?’”
Eight years back, Bannon didn’t have to chase updates. As Trump’s chief strategist in 2017, he had an office just steps from the Oval Office. Now, Bannon primarily communicates with Trump and his advisory circle in the same manner he engages with his extensive audience of MAGA supporters: through his “War Room” podcast.
The crucial question for Bannon is whether his candid assessments – including critiques of the new Trump administration – hold the same influence now, as a voice without an official title, or if his disconnection from the centers of power has lessened his effectiveness.
In a late-night conversation with UJ following his court appearance in Manhattan, where he entered a guilty plea for defrauding donors in a fundraising campaign aimed at building a border wall, Bannon asserted he is more impactful from the sidelines. His platform, he argues, is now larger and more influential, which is something Trump, a natural entertainer, can appreciate.
He also claims that he maintains a direct line to Trump, albeit infrequently, and believes that Trump keeps an eye on his daily broadcasts.
“If you watch the show and observe his executive orders, you can infer that even when we’re not in touch, he’s still tuning in,” Bannon stated.
Bannon is known to participate in the White House’s surrogate calls that preview Trump’s forthcoming executive actions and significant decisions. However, a White House official warned against overestimating Bannon’s influence.
“He isn’t influencing policy decisions,” the official said.
Broadcasting from a basement adjacent to the US Capitol, Bannon’s four-hour weekday program (and a two-hour scaled-back Saturday show) functions as the unofficial hub for the ideological foundations of Trumpism.
The self-proclaimed architect of Trump’s initial White House campaign guides his listeners through the complexities of the president’s actions, revealing the orchestration behind the drama. He focuses intently on details, such as diplomatic etiquette during visits by foreign dignitaries, the layout of the White House grounds, and the specific language unique to the West Wing environment, providing insights that imply a continued closeness to power.
He presents himself as both a commentator and a defender of the MAGA initiative, utilizing his platform to amplify grievances against the president’s political adversaries and to shape the direction of Trumpism from the outside.
Recently, this includes targeting the group of Silicon Valley billionaires who are attempting to gain favor with Trump. Bannon has explicitly criticized their support for special visas for tech workers, a stance he argues contradicts the economic nationalism that underpins “America First.” He has frequently condemned Elon Musk, labeling the Tesla CEO and Department of Government Efficiency head as a “transhumanist” and “evil.” He has also warned that Trump’s interest in redevelopment strategies in Gaza serves as a strategic diversion.
“We are going to support the president when possible,” Bannon told UJ, “And at those moments when we need to suggest a different path, we will do just that.”
Within Trump’s political circle, perspectives vary on whether Bannon’s influence has diminished or transformed.
“Influence arises from the people. When you have public support, you’re influential,” stated Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Trump ally in Congress and a frequent guest on Real America’s Voice, the far-right channel that airs Bannon’s program. “He’s a significant voice of MAGA, and that’s advantageous for the President’s agenda. He’s a person who challenges those who deviate from the line.”
Others question the scope of Bannon’s reach – though those who raised concerns preferred to remain anonymous.
His campaign against Musk, partly stemming from a deep-rooted skepticism of artificial intelligence, has highlighted the limits of his persuasiveness, according to some advisors. For instance, Trump sided with Musk and other tech leaders over Bannon regarding the necessity for H1B visas, which are favored by major corporations seeking foreign labor. Over Bannon’s protests, Musk is also firmly established within the power corridors — evidenced by his notable accompanying appearance with Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday and the considerable influence he wields to reshape the federal administration and its personnel.
One acquaintance of Bannon and Trump indicated that the criticisms directed at Musk are strategic.
“Bannon is well aware of his tactics. He’s astute in communications, and as someone who has collaborated with him, he’s attempting to position himself as equivalent to Elon,” remarked the individual. “That’s not true, but he is gaining that sort of attention through this.”
Another advisor to Trump candidly remarked: “Trump doesn’t care what Bannon says in this regard.”
Bannon’s most loyal supporters claim his influence isn’t always immediately visible. Yet, over the years, his impact has reverberated across the nation.
At Bannon’s encouragement, his followers inundate local election officials with emails echoing the latest voting conspiracies. His program has played a crucial role in mobilizing thousands of MAGA supporters to serve as poll watchers in the recent election cycle. Local Republican organizations witnessed a surge in candidates running for GOP precinct positions last year after Bannon prioritized this initiative on his show, motivating Trump-aligned conservatives to take control of their local parties.
“Many people are unaware of how the party operates and its intricate mechanics, making it difficult to convey the message encouraging involvement,” noted Lacey Riley, the chairwoman for the local GOP in Denton County, Texas, where Bannon recently spoke to a crowded fundraiser. “We have individuals who became leaders as a result of his advocacy. That was his impetus.”
Recently, Bannon has trained his followers to apply pressure on key Republican senators to endorse Trump’s more controversial Cabinet nominees. Except for Trump’s first choice for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, it seems all the president’s appointees are likely heading toward confirmation.
“He’s the most influential person in the movement,” stated Caroline Wren, a high-profile Trump fundraiser and experienced political strategist. “I can place clients on Fox News, and there’s no real reaction. However, if you appear on the ‘War Room,’ the reaction is immediate. The audience is fully engaged and intensely focused.”
Lobbying on policy and personnel
Bannon maintains strong connections with numerous senior officials in Trump’s latest administration. At least six of Trump’s department heads have appeared on his show over the years, including Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard. He formed a close partnership with Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, a pivotal figure in the administration’s immigration policy and staff reductions, dating back to the 2016 presidential election.
Vought was recently at the receiving end of one of Bannon’s direct (and explicit) calls. In an exchange reported by the Wall Street Journal and confirmed by UJ, Bannon expressed his frustration that Musk wasn’t acting quickly enough to effectively reduce expenditures. He told Vought: “You’re his superior; instruct him to go screw himself. We look foolish.”
“These guys understand my tough stance on deficits and spending cuts,” Bannon remarked. “Russ is excellent, but he juggles numerous responsibilities. I’m adamant about delivering the bad news.”
Bannon launched the “War Room” podcast in 2019, and it quickly attracted a devoted following and established a reputation as a hotbed for conspiracy theories regarding elections, the coronavirus pandemic, and the alleged “deep state” — narratives that have significantly shaped conservative politics. His unwavering loyalty to Trump during the former president’s political setbacks has solidified his standing within the Republican base.
Bannon states he is in the early phases of “collaborating with others” to formulate a legal case for Trump to run for president again in 2028. This notion, which Trump has contemplated, clashes directly with the Constitution’s two-term limit for the presidency.
“I’m fully supportive of it,” Bannon affirmed.
Support for Bannon has only intensified since he stepped away from the show last summer to serve a four-month prison term for defying a House investigation regarding January 6. The “War Room” occasionally ranks among the top 100 most-downloaded Apple podcasts, and tens of thousands more watch it live or view clips online. His recent plea deal in New York assures he won’t serve time — or face any other interruptions to his broadcasting schedule.
Bannon asserts that his influence on Trump’s potential second term is unmistakable. For instance, he was an early proponent for Bessent to lead the Treasury Department when others, including Musk, advocated for businessman Howard Lutnick. Bessent secured the position while Lutnick was ultimately appointed secretary of commerce.
Last week, Bannon touted another success after Trump instructed Musk to “examine the Pentagon.” This directive followed Bannon’s repeated criticisms of Musk for not prioritizing defense spending, a significant portion of the federal budget.
“Until you cross the Potomac, it’s not tangible,” Bannon expressed on the “War Room.”
When he’s not broadcasting his insights to over a million followers across various platforms, he maintains an ongoing dialogue with lawmakers, collaborates with legislative staff, or gathers intelligence from within the centers of authority.
“He’s far more connected than many realize,” said Jack Posobiec, a fellow far-right commentator and Trump supporter. “It is wise to pay attention to the targets he chooses because there’s a strategy behind his seemingly chaotic tactics.”
One of Bannon’s latest obsessions is the March 14 deadline to extend government spending. All week, Bannon has been warning that neither the White House nor Congressional Republicans appear adequately focused on preventing another continuing resolution that would effectively cement President Joe Biden’s spending levels for another timeframe.
Bannon argues that this would undermine Musk’s efforts to reduce government expenditures and reveal it as a “blunt force instrument” with impractical objectives for curbing the deficit and fostering economic growth.
“As we approach March, people are going to be angry and disillusioned,” Bannon stated, “and they’re going to wonder what the heck has been going on?”
