On Saturday’s WarRoom program, Steve Bannon played footage of his speech to the Council for National Policy in mid-November 2024. The speech, which happened just weeks after the end of his prison sentence for defying Congress, hit upon several critical themes central to the ongoing political narrative of the Populist-MAGA movement. It mainly focused on the need for continued grassroots leadership and heightened awareness from the American people.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points and themes of Bannon’s speech:

• Backlash Against the Establishment: Bannon speaks of a significant shift in which the populace, described as working—and middle-class Americans—has risen against what he refers to as the “credentialed class” or the establishment. This theme underscores the populist narrative that ordinary citizens are reclaiming control from an elite that has long dictated policy.
• The Three Pillars of MAGA: Referencing his 2016 CPAC speech, Bannon reiterates the core focuses of the America First agenda:
  • National Security: Emphasizing alliances rather than protectorates, distinguishing between allies and adversaries like China, Iran, and Russia’s leadership.
  • Economic Nationalism: Promoting policies like tariffs and tax cuts to bring back high-value manufacturing jobs to the U.S.
  • Deconstruction of the Administrative State: A call to reduce the power of what he sees as an overreaching bureaucratic apparatus, which he believes stifles American liberty and economic freedom.

• Vindication of Trump’s Policies: Bannon reflects on the 2024 election results as a vindication of Trump’s previous term policies, suggesting that the American people have rendered a verdict in favor of these populist principles over the Democratic approach.
• Resistance and Persecution: He highlights the legal and media challenges faced by Trump and his supporters, framing these as attempts at lawfare (using legal systems to attack political opponents), which he claims have only strengthened their resolve.

• Personnel as Policy: Bannon stresses the importance of having committed individuals in government positions to enact these policies. He mentions potential cabinet picks like Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, Matt Gaetz, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., indicating a strategy to bring in figures who might not traditionally align with Trump but share some populist sentiments.
• Commitment and Sacrifice: He calls for a deep personal and collective commitment from his audience, likening the current political battle to historic moments in American history where individuals stood up for principles. He emphasizes the need for unwavering dedication, even at personal cost, to achieve long-term goals.
• Economic Challenges: Addressing fiscal issues like national debt and inflation, Bannon warns that tough financial decisions lie ahead, including budget cuts and potentially even government shutdowns to manage finances better.

• Media and Public Perception: He criticizes mainstream media for low viewership and disconnected narratives, advocating for alternative media platforms that resonate more with the populace.
• Moral and Cultural Shift: Bannon frames the current political era as a moral struggle, where traditional values and leadership qualities are paramount, drawing parallels between Trump’s resilience and historical figures known for their courage.

Steve Bannon Explains Populism and Why America Needs a Citizen-Focused Government Not a Therapy Session