Steve Bannon was focused on Pete Hegseth’s Senate nomination hearing on Tuesday’s WarRoom program, joined by Colonel Mike Waltz, a Green Beret and National Security Advisor to President Trump to open the show. The conversation between the two, marked by sharp criticism of Senate Democrats and a staunch defense of Hegseth, underscored the battle lines in modern American politics as Trump heads back to Washington DC with his America First agenda.

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Rep. Mike Waltz Explains How Pete Hegseth Is Putting 'Warrior Ethos' Back Into The Military @michaelgwaltz pic.twitter.com/vD3p0sNU7S

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) January 14, 2025

Bannon set the tone for the interview, highlighting the Democrats’ failure to grasp why they lost recent elections. He also noted the heavy presence of women on the Senate Armed Services Committee and their focus on Hegseth’s personal history rather than substantive policy issues. He reacted to this compilation of hearing testimonies from Mike Cernovich.

How I feel when people tell me who I’m allowed to talk to on the internet.

pic.twitter.com/xlFza3QTXK

— Cernovich (@Cernovich) January 14, 2025

"Democrats just don’t get it, especially these Democrat women,” Bannon said. "They’re harping on Pete Hegseth, throwing out accusations about misogyny, abuse, and incompetence. Meanwhile, they ignore his overwhelming support from the troops.”

Bannon turned to Waltz, asking him to explain the military, “Warrior ethos” Hegseth embodies.

Waltz, fresh from a classified meeting, praised Hegseth as a leader who prioritizes standards and readiness. He criticized the current Pentagon leadership for promoting political correctness over combat effectiveness.

"Our enemies fear warriors like Pete,” Waltz said. "Our troops miss leaders who understand their mission—to fight, win, and defend this nation.”

Waltz condemned policies he views as undermining military readiness, citing diversity quotas for pilots and lectures on "white rage” at West Point. He emphasized that Hegseth’s leadership represents a return to merit-based standards.

Waltz tied Hegseth’s nomination to President Trump’s broader agenda of reforming America’s military and government. "Trump’s picks, like Pete and Tulsi Gabbard, have been in the trenches,” he said. "They know what’s at stake and have the scars to prove it.”

Waltz highlighted the need for change, pointing to years of Senate hearings that delivered little progress. "Enough is enough. It’s time to rebuild our hollowed-out military,” he declared.

Bannon pressed Waltz on why Democrats used the hearing to attack Hegseth personally. Waltz attributed it to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s strategy of smearing Trump’s nominees.

"Schumer made it clear: attack, attack, attack,” Waltz said. He praised Republican senators like Markwayne Mullin for calling out Democratic hypocrisy. "Veterans respect Hegseth because he’s lived through the struggles many of us have. He’s earned their trust.”

Waltz encouraged Americans to follow him on social media for updates on national security and his book, Hard Truths: How to Lead Like a Green Beret. The proceeds, he noted, benefit Gold Star families.

Bannon concluded by promising to air Waltz’s opening remarks from the hearing later in his show.

Watch this segment for more from Waltz and Bannon:

Rep. Mike Waltz Explains How Pete Hegseth Is Putting ‘Warrior Ethos’ Back Into The Military