On Friday, President Donald Trump met directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, gaining unfiltered insight into Russia’s positions on Ukraine. While a complete peace deal isn’t happening overnight, Trump is steering a process that protects U.S. interests, avoids overcommitting American resources, and exposes Europe’s dependency. Meanwhile, as Steve Bannon exposed on Saturday’s WarRoom, the corporate media proved once again it’s not about truth or outcomes—it’s about sabotaging Trump with petty, vindictive spin.

QUICK CLIP:

Bannon: "The Coverage Yesterday Of The Mainstream Media Was The Worst I’ve Ever Seen” pic.twitter.com/IXvB6Ikgcw

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) August 16, 2025

LIKE BANNON SAID-WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED

Putin reportedly hinted he could ease some territorial demands—but the core conditions remain: no NATO membership for Ukraine, permanent Russian control of Crimea, and a demilitarized Ukrainian buffer. Trump didn’t jump at the bait, and that restraint matters. He knows a bad deal now would weaken America’s position later. Instead, he gained clarity, listening directly to Putin without lobbyists, senators, or the EU’s echo chamber mediating every word.

That’s not weakness—it’s discipline. Trump is mapping out the landscape, understanding Russia’s red lines while keeping America’s options open.

EUROPE’S HANDOUT CULTURE

Jim Rickards hit the nerve: Europe is acting like a vassal state. They lack the troops, the money, and the stomach to carry this war on their own. Their plan is obvious—bleed America for cash, troops, and reconstruction guarantees. An Article 5-style commitment would drag the U.S. into a direct fight with Russia, risking escalation far beyond Ukraine.

Trump’s instinct is right: support where it makes sense, but don’t hand Europe a blank check or American lives. It’s Europe’s war—they should carry their weight.

BANNON CALLS OUT MEDIA TANTRUMS

And here’s where Bannon cut through the noise: the media’s reaction was a temper tantrum. Instead of covering the substance of Putin’s demands or Trump’s measured approach, the press launched into vindictive theater. CNN obsessed over "optics.” The New York Times warned about "credibility.” MSNBC practically begged for escalation.

This isn’t journalism—it’s sabotage. The media would rather see America trapped in another forever war than admit Trump knows how to play the long game. They’ve dropped any pretense of analysis and replaced it with rage-fueled spin.

Bannon nailed it: by talking to Putin directly, Trump stripped the media of their favorite weapon—speculation. No anonymous sources, no Pentagon leaks, no think-tank spin. Just clarity. And that’s why the press is seething. He bypassed their chokehold on information and showed the American people he’s in control.

THE REALITY CHECK

Bannon and Rickards reminded listeners of a hard truth: Ukraine’s bravery doesn’t change the math. Their war effort has been powered almost entirely by U.S. and allied money, weapons, and intelligence. Without it, Kyiv couldn’t hold the line. Europe wants more. Zelensky wants more. And the media amplifies it all, demanding America keep paying the bill.

But Trump isn’t falling for it. His job isn’t to satisfy NATO bureaucrats or keep cable news happy—it’s to protect U.S. security and sovereignty.

IN THE END

Bottom line:  Bannon showed the audience that Trump’s one-on-one with Putin was about clarity and discipline. He listened, measured, and walked away without overcommitting. That’s a strength. Europe will whine, Zelensky will plead, and the media will shriek. But the U.S. is not Europe’s mercenary, and Trump isn’t playing for headlines.

As Bannon exposed, the corporate media has devolved into a petty, vindictive machine more interested in cheap shots than national security. They cry, they pout, they spin—but none of it changes the fact that Trump is steering America away from disaster and toward a deal on America’s terms.

That’s the difference: Trump’s playing chess, the media’s throwing tantrums.

Watch the full smackdown of the media from Saturday’s WarRoom:

Bannon: "The Coverage Yesterday Of The Mainstream Media Was The Worst I’ve Ever Seen”