Saturday’s WarRoom segment with Real America’s Voice correspondent Ben Bergquam was a fiery exposé of FEMA’s failures and highlighted alleged corruption after a devastating disaster in North Carolina. Host Steve Bannon spoke with Bergquam and jailed North Carolina resident Tyler Burleson and delivered an unflinching look at government negligence, grassroots efforts, and the punitive measures against those who dare to speak out against the government.

After days of covering President Donald J. Trump’s speeches and executive actions to protect the American people with the America First agenda, WarRoom has the definitive proof that North Carolina is suffering from disaster mismanagement.

Check out this quick clip for context:

"THE LEAST PHONY PEOPLE I'VE EVER MET"

Tyler Burleson was arrested for attempting to expose an apathetic county in Appalachia. He paused his business to help the community. We should call the judge and DA to raise awareness.@Bannons_WarRoom @BenBergquam pic.twitter.com/2maPPGQzUx

— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) January 25, 2025

The Story Unfolds:

The Saturday segment opened with prior WarRoom footage of Bergquam interviewing Burleson, who showed Bergqam he had opened his store to his community to help with living essentials and to advocate for residents with FEMA, recounted FEMA’s lackluster response to the massive damage after North Carolina’s historic flooding disaster.

“They said they didn’t have any money to give us. Offered $750 and sent the National Guard, who just sat idle,” Burleson explained. Equipment meant for cleanup remained unused while local officials were conspicuously absent.

FEMA’s process, described as bureaucratic and ineffective, was a recurring theme. Burleson shared stories of residents who followed every step FEMA outlined—applications, inspections, and appeals—yet received no aid. "Trailers sit unused on lots while people with trees splitting their homes in half hear nothing back,” Burleson told Bergquam.

Then Bergquam and Bannon commented and connected these failures to broader systemic issues, including misplaced priorities and government corruption. "The money’s gone elsewhere—illegal immigrants, or who knows where, since we haven’t audited them,” Bannon said to Berggaum and Burleson.

See the original WarRoom interview with Burleson:

Disaster Relief Ignored in MAGA Strongholds: Communities in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee Left to Fend for Themselves

Burleson’s Arrest:

As a WarRoom update, Bergquam reported that Ten days after the initial WarRoom interview, and just one day before President Trump’s official visit to North Carolina flood areas,  Burleson was arrested for writing a bad heck, he explained, saying he had already rectified the back check but was jailed on charges he claims are politically motivated.

Bannon and Bergquam did not dispute the charges but wondered about the timing, especially in the face of the historical suffering in the community at the time.

“Isn’t this something that could have waited?” Bannon asked.

Speaking from jail, Burleson described his ordeal: "They picked me up on a bad check I’d already rectified. The judge held me with no bail. The D.A. said the county’s better off with me in jail.”

Bannon and Bergquam saw Burleson’s detention as no coincidence, mainly since it occurred just before President Donald Trump visited the area. “This is Banana Republic-style injustice,” Bergquam declared. “He’s being silenced because he’s exposing FEMA and local officials.”

Grassroots Heroes vs. Government Failures:

While FEMA faltered, local charities and Samaritan groups filled the void. Burleson told Bergquam he explained to the judge that, as initially reported on the WarRoom, he and his team supported 60-120 people daily, providing food, shelter, and aid. Yet, Burleson said that the judge sentencing him recently dismissed those efforts. "They looked me in the eye and said we’re not doing anything for our community,” Burleson told the WarRoom.

Bannon then emphasized the contrast between grassroots resilience and government negligence. "It’s people like Tyler who are holding these communities together. FEMA and Biden held back the money. Local officials didn’t step up. This is why President Trump is calling for FEMA’s overhaul.”

The Bigger Picture:

Burleson’s arrest is part of a broader narrative of silencing dissent, Bannon argued. "This is political persecution, plain and simple. Tyler’s exposing the failures of government, and they want him quiet.”

Despite his circumstances, Burleson remains committed to his cause. "They’re trying to stop us, but we’ll keep exposing the truth,” he said. His family continues to share updates via Facebook and local organizations, rallying support for his release and their ongoing relief efforts.

Closing Message:

Saturday’s WarRoom underscored the dire need for government accountability in disaster response. As Bannon put it, "This is about justice—not just for Tyler, but for every community betrayed by government incompetence.”

Stay tuned for updates as WarRoom continues to follow this unfolding story.

For more context, watch this two-part series of interviews from Saturday’s WarRoom:

Ben Bergquam Exposes Government For Jailing Patriotic Hero Who Tried To Help NC Communities

Tyler Burleson UNJUSTIFIABLY Jailed With No Bail For Exposing Government’s Abandonment Of U.S. Citizens