Steve Bannon Targets the CIA: A Call to Overhaul America’s ‘Deep State’ Machinery”

Steve Bannon unleashed on the CIA on Thursday’s WarRoom. He delivered a scathing critique of the CIA during his January 2025 broadcast, calling it a “central part of the problem” in what he terms America’s post-constitutional regime. Bannon’s remarks underscore his belief that dismantling the agency’s domestic influence is critical to restoring the Republic and ensuring President Trump’s incoming administration can implement its agenda unimpeded.

Check out this short clip:

Steve Bannon To President Trump: "The CIA Is To The Tenth Power Worse Than The FBI.” pic.twitter.com/WmWekZyVRb

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) January 2, 2025

Bannon’s Key Message on the CIA

Bannon’s commentary singled out the CIA as emblematic of the deep state apparatus he accuses of undermining constitutional governance. He said on Thrusday that the agency has overstepped its mandate, engaging in domestic operations that erode public trust and perpetuate elite control. While traditionally tasked with foreign intelligence, Bannon implied the CIA has entrenched itself in domestic affairs, fostering an environment of political manipulation and partisanship.

Labeling the agency as part of a “cold-blooded regime,” Bannon likened its unchecked power to that of authoritarian systems. He warned that without immediate reform, the CIA’s influence would stifle efforts to reclaim government institutions for the American people. Bannon’s tone was unapologetically direct, signaling that rooting out such entities will be a cornerstone of Trump’s second term.

Why the CIA Matters in Bannon’s Vision

Bannon’s focus on the CIA reflects his general critique of what he describes as the “administrative state” — a sprawling network of bureaucracies he believes functions independently of electoral outcomes. By targeting the CIA, he draws attention to the tension between elected officials and entrenched government actors, highlighting a recurring theme in his populist-nationalist rhetoric: the need to return power to the citizenry.

He framed the CIA’s role as insidious, accusing it of prioritizing self-preservation over national security. This critique is not new, but on the cusp of Trump’s inauguration, Bannon’s delivery gives it renewed urgency. He argued that the agency’s historical secrecy and autonomy make it a formidable obstacle to meaningful reform, requiring swift and decisive action from the incoming administration.

The Stakes for Trump’s Administration

Bannon’s remarks suggest that dismantling the CIA’s domestic operations is not just a policy goal but a moral imperative. He asserted that reforming the agency will set the tone for broader efforts to deconstruct the deep state and redirect federal agencies to serve the Constitution and the public interest.

According to Bannon, this effort will face fierce resistance. He likened the task to a "war,” warning his audience that the deep state will not relinquish power willingly. The implication is clear: any failure to act decisively could undermine Trump’s presidency and embolden the entrenched bureaucracy to subvert future administrations.

Why It Matters to the Public

Bannon’s critique resonates with his audience because it taps into widespread distrust of government institutions. By framing the CIA as a domestic threat, he galvanizes support for his broader movement to reclaim American governance. His rhetoric serves as a call to arms for his listeners, urging them to remain vigilant and engaged in the fight against what he describes as an overreaching administrative state.

The importance of understanding Bannon’s message lies in its implications for American democracy. His vision for reform challenges longstanding norms and invites scrutiny of institutions traditionally viewed as pillars of national security. Whether or not one agrees with his assessment, his comments demand a conversation about the balance between security and accountability in a democratic society.

WarRoom Programming

WarRoom airs Monday through Saturday on Real America’s Voice and other carriers. Live broadcasts are from 10 AM to 12 PM Eastern, with additional segments from 5-6 PM Eastern. WarRoom Battleground follows from 6-7 PM Eastern on Frank Speech, continuing to engage with the critical political issues of our time.

For more context, watch Bannon’s opening WarRoom comments from Thursday: