BLUF: Steve Bannon and Dave Brat appeared together on Friday’s WarRoom program to talk about the urgent need for a revival in America’s economy, grounded in citizenship, economic nationalism, and a focus on the American worker. They identify corporate and political elites as primary opponents to the America First agenda, shaping policies that have left the working and middle classes struggling. Bannon and Brat emphasize that true prosperity will come from supporting citizens, not corporations, and from uniting around shared values for a better future.
Resources for this article: It’s Everybody’s Business | Cold War Era Propaganda Cartoon on Capitalism & Free Enterprise | 1954
Economic Nationalism: America’s Path to Prosperity
Bannon and Brat argue that America’s prosperity depends on prioritizing citizens over corporations. "We’re in an industrial economy dominated by corporate interests,” Brat says, but real change requires a shift. For Bannon, this means a return to "economic nationalism,” where the focus is on the American worker, not multinational corporations.
America, they argue, has drifted from its roots by catering to global interests. "You’ve got lobbyists and corporations with a stranglehold on Washington,” Bannon notes, adding that "the middle class and working class are the backbone” of true economic growth.
Restoring Citizenship and Unity for True Prosperity
According to Brat, America’s economic renewal starts with a "revival of citizenship” that strengthens community and individual responsibility. "Faith and values,” he stresses, are key to this unity. They point out that economic policies should benefit American citizens and cultivate a sense of shared purpose. As Brat puts it, "Helping the working class helps everyone” because it creates jobs, boosts morale, and fosters pride in being American.
Bannon concurs, adding that fostering citizenship is essential to peace and prosperity. He believes economic nationalism "restores general happiness” as citizens see government policies that work for them. A strong economy, rooted in community values, will rebuild trust in America’s institutions, he argues.
The Economic Enemies: Who Opposes American Workers?
Bannon and Brat identify powerful forces standing against economic nationalism. These opponents include corporate lobbyists, globalist interests, and Washington elites. According to Bannon, these groups have "turbocharged” policies that push corporate profit over the well-being of American workers. As he explains, "We’re up against a system entrenched for 40 to 50 years,” which has "entrapped the middle class and working class.”
Their concern is that corporate interests have infiltrated Washington to such an extent that they have outmaneuvered the common American’s voice. "The lobbyists are in place to stop us,” Brat says. For true economic freedom, they argue, Americans must recognize who opposes their prosperity and resist their influence.
American Workers: The Foundation of National Strength
Both Bannon and Brat emphasize that the American worker should be the government’s top priority. Bannon highlights how America’s working class has been left behind, as policies focus on benefiting major corporations. "When we put the American worker at the center of our policies, we build a stronger economy,” he says.
Brat adds that economic growth happens when citizens are empowered. "Trump understood this,” Brat points out, noting that the former president prioritized policies that directly benefited the working class, from higher wages to stronger job protections.
Why Economic Nationalism Matters Now
Bannon and Brat see economic nationalism as the path to restoring America’s prosperity and unity. Economic nationalism, they argue, brings dignity to workers and independence to the nation. As Bannon puts it, "Economic nationalism isn’t just policy; it’s about giving people back their stake in America.”
They stress that without a renewed focus on the American worker, inequality and dissatisfaction will continue to grow, further dividing the country. Bannon concludes, "Only by restoring economic opportunities at home can we expect to build a peaceful, united nation.”
Moving Forward: Taking Action for America’s Revival
Bannon and Brat call on Americans to prioritize economic policies that restore opportunity for all citizens. "We need a new economy driven by American values,” says Brat. Their message is clear: support policies that place American workers first and recognize the opponents of this agenda. They urge Americans to stay vigilant and advocate for an economy that benefits all.
For more context on Bannon and Brat’s conversation watch this clip from Friday’s WarRoom program:
