In their conversation, Steve Bannon and Julie Kelly discuss recent developments in the treatment of January 6 defendants, highlighting a shift in the legal landscape. They celebrate a recent ruling by Judge Royce Lamberth, who, after public pressure and legal advocacy, showed leniency in a case involving a January 6 defendant. Lamberth, who had previously threatened severe punishment, instead ordered the defendant to be released, acknowledging time already served. This decision marked a rare moment of mercy, especially after the defendant’s conviction under the controversial 15-12 C2 charge was vacated by the Supreme Court.

Bannon and Kelly credit the change to a combination of good legal representation and sustained public pressure on judges like Lamberth, who have been criticized for harsh sentencing of January 6 defendants. They emphasize their role in exposing judicial overreach, noting that other outlets have failed to hold these judges accountable. Bannon stresses the importance of public awareness and the potential for impeachment of judges who abuse their power.

Kelly also brings attention to Judge Chief Judge Faruqui Howell, an Obama appointee, who has been involved in controversial decisions, particularly regarding pre-trial detention and the treatment of January 6 defendants. Kelly criticizes Howell for setting precedents that led to unjust incarceration of political protesters, accusing her of collusion with the DOJ and undermining constitutional rights. Both Bannon and Kelly advocate for the impeachment of such judges, calling for accountability in the judiciary.

Ezra Cohen Lays Out How The Deep State Is Burrowing In Before Trump Returns

In a discussion with Steve Bannon, Ezra Cohen addressed key national security and defense issues tied to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and broader Pentagon policies. Cohen emphasized the NDAA’s critical role in setting the defense budget and policies for the coming year, highlighting its implications on reforming the Department of Defense (DoD). He noted that controlling the budget, personnel, and policy are essential tools for restructuring the administrative state. The current administration’s approval of mass promotions for general officers, many shaped by policies under Mark Milley, could undermine merit-based evaluations and hinder reforms.

Cohen underscored the challenge posed by the prioritization of social policies over military competence, particularly with Senator Tommy Tuberville’s efforts to block certain promotions. These promotions, Cohen argued, limit the next administration’s ability to implement meaningful changes in military leadership. He advocated for a merit-based review to ensure alignment with an America First defense strategy.

On defense policies, Cohen criticized excessive overseas troop deployments, suggesting a recalibration to focus on strategic priorities like nuclear submarines, autonomous vehicles, and declassification system reforms. He warned that without proper funding in the NDAA, these initiatives risk stagnation.

Bannon and Cohen also criticized neoconservative tendencies, advocating for a defense policy centered on America’s strategic interests rather than global interventionism. They challenged establishment narratives, calling for greater transparency and accountability in intelligence and military operations while rejecting accusations of being "anti-American.”

Cohen: “Lack Of Insight Combined With Horrible Decision Making, That’s Why We’re Seeing This Mess”

Part two:

Jack Montgomery: Syria’s New Leader Vows To Take Jerusalem After Damascus

Steve Bannon and Jack Montgomery discussed the misleading portrayal of Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in mainstream media, particularly as a reformist or statesman. Montgomery outlined al-Julani’s history, from his release from an Iraqi prison to leading al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate, before rebranding HTS as part of the Syrian opposition with al-Qaeda’s tacit approval. Despite this shift, HTS remains a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, and al-Julani was previously on the Rewards for Justice program with a $10 million bounty. Montgomery criticized outlets like the BBC for “laundering propaganda” to rehabilitate al-Julani’s image, given his violent history, including atrocities against civilians and minorities. Bannon emphasized the dangers of U.S. involvement in Syria, advocating a policy of non-intervention to avoid entanglement in complex conflicts involving groups like HTS.

Bannon On Mike Johnson: “You Said You’re Gonna Get The Deep State, Tell Me How You’re Gonna Do That”

Steve Bannon talked about the importance of strategic appointments and transformative policy changes to dismantle the administrative state and reinvigorate American governance. He highlights key appointments, such as Ed Martin as Chief of Staff for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), emphasizing their critical role in reshaping government operations. Bannon views these moves as part of a broader conservative effort to streamline bureaucracy and reclaim constitutional priorities.

He criticizes the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as a symbol of excessive spending and policy inertia, lamenting its $900 billion framework and its limited focus on issues like military base policies rather than addressing fundamental inefficiencies. Bannon argues for a deeper integration of reform initiatives like the Department of Justice (DOJ) overhaul into appropriations processes to avoid perpetuating wasteful spending.

Bannon also critiques America’s global military footprint, questioning the constitutional mandate for such expansive deployments, which he views as a deviation from the framers’ intent. He stresses the need for a serious approach to downsizing government while acknowledging the human impact, advocating for compassionate transitions for displaced workers.