In a 2023 WarRoom segment, Steve Bannon delivered a striking analysis of the political battlefield ahead of the 2024 elections, drawing parallels between the populist movement’s current struggle and historic, hard-fought battles.
Bannon emphasized that populism’s victory and Donald Trump’s re-election would require unity of effort from all supporters while also boldly standing against the enemies of the America First agenda—what he called the “apparatchiks” embedded in government bureaucracies.
Bannon also said that this battle to get Trump back into the White House would be grueling, like the historical turning point at Stalingrad, but necessary for lasting change.
“They have control of the most powerful entity in the history of mankind—the United States of America. And guess what? As a bonus, they get the Federal Reserve, a permanent printing machine of money. You think they’re going to sit there and say, ‘Hey, this is terrific, let’s just do it their way’? Oh no, it doesn’t work that way. You think you’re going to hug it out? Donald Trump is up for 700 years in federal prison,” Bannon said in the 2023 WarRoom segment- see video below.
Apparatchik and Stalingrad Context
Apparatchiks were often characterized by their absolute loyalty to the Communist Party, more so than by any particular talent or expertise. The term suggests a figure who is primarily motivated by obedience to party ideology rather than independent thinking or competence in their field.
An apparatchik refers to the rigid bureaucrats within the political apparatus who enforce the status quo with unquestioning loyalty, often at the expense of real progress. Bannon compared the entrenched forces in Washington to these Soviet-style officials, asserting that these bureaucrats would not relinquish power without a fight.
The reference to Stalingrad, the pivotal WWII battle where Soviet forces repelled Nazi invaders, is key. Just as Stalingrad marked a brutal turning point in the war, Bannon believes the 2024 election will mark a decisive moment in American politics. The stakes are high, and the fight will be tough—”every day will be Stalingrad,” he warned—but it is a necessary struggle for the country’s future.
Duty, Dharma, and Unity of Effort
Bannon framed the struggle not only as a political contest but as a moral and philosophical duty. He invoked Duty and Dharma, which refer to a higher sense of obligation and righteousness. For Bannon, this is not just about political expediency but about fulfilling a moral obligation to the nation. Supporters, especially those within the populist movement, have a duty to act boldly and fearlessly, even when the opposition is fierce.
Unity of effort is crucial. The populist movement must coalesce around the singular mission of re-electing Trump and dismantling the entrenched bureaucratic systems that have held sway over American governance. However, Bannon was clear that unity does not mean compromise. There can be no middle ground with the forces aligned against populism. The enemy is strong, intelligent, and ruthless, but Bannon remains confident that victory is possible if the movement stands firm.
“The change is not going to be pleasant. Turbulence is not pleasant. It’s not supposed to be. You are the enlightened ones. You have a duty and obligation to do this. Not something you kind of want to do. You have a moral obligation to do it,” Bannon said.
Fear as a Weapon
Bannon also embraced the concept of fear as a tool, much like a military commander might leverage psychological warfare to weaken the enemy. He argued that fear can be harnessed to embolden the movement’s resolve, rather than paralyze it. Just as Trump, who Bannon believes had restored safety and prosperity, faced resistance from the beginning, the current opposition is rooted in fear of the movement’s potential success. Bannon pointed out that their fear is now visible, a sign that the populists are making headway.
Thanksgiving 2023—A Call to Action
Bannon’s rallying cry ahead of Thanksgiving 2023 was one of bold confrontation. He called on his audience to stand firm in their beliefs and not back down from difficult conversations with family or peers who may oppose their views. The holiday, traditionally a time of unity, would instead be a battleground for ideological engagement. Bannon urged his followers to be relentless in challenging those who dismiss Trump or ignore the nation’s crises, including government spending, immigration, and global instability.
Conclusion: The Beginning of Change
In summary, Bannon’s breakdown of the political landscape paints the 2024 election as a pivotal moment for the future of America. He called for boldness, not only in supporting Trump but in challenging the established order at every turn. While he acknowledges that the coming months will be turbulent and unpleasant, he urged his followers to embrace that discomfort as a necessary step toward long-term change. Much like Stalingrad, this battle is critical to victory, and only through sustained, united effort can the populist movement prevail.
For more context- watch this video:
