BLUF: Steve Bannon’s strategy isn’t about creating chaos—it’s a step-by-step plan to dismantle bloated government systems, reduce inefficiencies, and rebuild institutions that serve the American people. Here’s how he envisions making it happen, according to his Wednesday WarRoom commentary.
Breaking Down the "Administrative State”
Bannon’s primary target is the "administrative state,” a sprawling network of government agencies and bureaucracies that he believes overreach into the lives of Americans. He calls this a “fourth branch of government” that was never intended by the Founders.
"The goal isn’t just firing bad actors or cutting regulations,” Bannon said. "It’s about systematically taking apart, brick by brick, the elements of government that don’t work for the people anymore.”
This means reducing government size and cost while restoring limited government that respects individual liberty.
Step 1: Build the Right Teams
Bannon is clear: this effort requires experts, not ideologues. He praised Russ Vought, former head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for creating detailed plans to cut federal spending and reorganize government programs.
"Russ isn’t in it for himself,” Bannon explained. "He’s a true believer in the cause. That’s the kind of leadership we need.”
Vought and his team are part of Project 2025, a training program designed to prepare landing teams for immediate action if Donald Trump wins in 2024. These teams will focus on critical areas, like the budget, appropriations, and national security.
Step 2: Tackle Spending and Inefficiency
Bannon sees federal spending as out of control. He wants to reduce the current $6.5-$7 trillion annual federal budget to $4.5-$5 trillion.
"This isn’t about cutting random programs,” he said. "It’s about going line by line and figuring out what we actually need—and what we don’t.”
He outlined a partnership between the executive branch, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Office of Management and Budget to achieve this. Bannon stressed the importance of a coordinated approach, saying, "This has to be done programmatically. We can’t just wing it.”
Step 3: Engage in Economic Nationalism
Economic policies are central to Bannon’s vision. He highlighted Trump’s potential plan for blanket tariffs on $2 trillion worth of imports.
"This is about bringing jobs back to America and building up our industries,” Bannon explained. He pointed to Kevin Hassett, a former skeptic turned advocate for populist economics, as an example of the shift happening within conservative economic circles.
Step 4: Address National Security
Bannon warned about the risks of escalating international conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. He criticized the Biden administration and NATO for considering forward deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, likening it to a "Cuban Missile Crisis on testosterone.”
Instead, Bannon advocates for prioritizing U.S. national interests and avoiding unnecessary wars.
Step 5: Implementing Project 2025
The heart of Bannon’s plan is Project 2025. This initiative trains experts to hit the ground running on January 20, 2025, if Trump wins.
"It’s not about chaos,” Bannon said. "This is about preparation. We’ve spent years training people to become subject-matter experts, so they’re ready to rebuild from day one.”
The project focuses on avoiding pitfalls from Trump’s first term, such as FBI investigations into transition activities. Teams will operate under the radar until they can take office.
A Vision for Rebuilding
For Bannon, dismantling the administrative state isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of rebuilding a government that works for Americans. He envisions smaller, more efficient institutions that respect the Constitution and empower citizens.
"This is about getting government out of your life and giving you back the blessings of liberty,” he said.
By taking a methodical approach, Bannon aims to replace inefficiency and overreach with effective, limited governance. As he put it, "This is a fight we’re going to win in the trenches. And we’re ready.”
Conclusion: Steve Bannon’s plan is bold, detailed, and highly strategic. Whether you agree or disagree, it’s clear that he’s not advocating chaos. Instead, he’s pushing for a structured effort to fix what many Americans see as broken. The goal? A government that truly serves its people.
For more context, watch Steve Bannon on this Wednesday WarRoom segment: