Bannon's War Room: Episode 4189 – Failures of Newsom

Release Date: January 13, 2025

In Episode 4189 of Bannon's War Room, hosted by Stephen K. Bannon from WarRoom.org, the primary focus centers on criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom's handling of the state's wildfire crisis. The episode delves into various facets of the disaster, Newsom's leadership, national security issues, and broader economic concerns, including the national debt and bond market instability.

1. California Wildfires and Governor Newsom's Response

The episode opens with Johnny Khan recounting his personal experience with the devastating wildfires that ravaged his neighborhood in Pacific Palisades. Khan emphasizes the lack of adequate response from state authorities:

• Johnny Khan [00:40]: “If they had some fire trucks, just put a squirt here, a squirt there and kept an eye on things. All these houses would be here now.”

Khan criticizes Newsom for what he perceives as ineffective management and misallocation of resources. He highlights the dependence on private sector efforts to combat the fires due to the state's failure:

• Johnny Khan [02:29]: “The state has cataclysmically failed the overtaxed taxpayers of Southern California… what they’ve been paying for, for so long when in this absolute hour of need, the state has really dropped the ball.”

Stephen K. Bannon further questions the governor's preparedness and decision-making, suggesting that military resources were underutilized:

• Stephen K. Bannon [11:16]: “Are they, is Gavin Newsom on top of this thing to actually get the right resources there?”

Khan also lambasts Newsom’s law enforcement policies, linking relaxed regulations to increased arson:

• Johnny Khan [12:00]: “There’s been a number of citizens that have apprehended some very shady looking people setting additional fires… in Gavin Newsom's California, you can steal just under $1000 and not be charged with a felony.”

2. Chinese Cyber Threats to American Infrastructure

Transitioning from local governance issues, Bannon addresses national security concerns, particularly focusing on Chinese cyber threats. He underscores the severity of the threat to American civilian critical infrastructure:

• Stephen K. Bannon [04:24]: “Of every major nation combined, and has stolen more of Americans personal and corporate data than that of every nation, big or small combined.”

The discussion details how Chinese malware has infiltrated critical systems like water treatment plants, transportation, energy sectors, and telecommunications, posing significant risks of real-world harm:

• Johnny Khan [05:14]: “The Chinese have already insinuated malware into critical American infrastructure. That's correct.”

3. Cabinet Confirmations and Political Maneuvering

Bannon shifts focus to the impending confirmation of cabinet nominees, highlighting the contentious process and anticipated obstacles. He discusses key figures like Pete Hegseth and the challenges they might face:

• Stephen K. Bannon [25:58]: “Pete Hegseth is one of the more unconventional because you're really taking it from the warrior caste and not going to one of these senior executive, senior member of Congress or a former flag officer.”

Johnny Khan advocates for strong, merit-based leadership in the military, criticizing the current administration's focus on diversity over lethality:

• Johnny Khan [27:30]: “We need a military that is a large, snarling, a very scary organism that our enemies actually not just respect, but fear.”

4. National Debt and Bond Market Turmoil

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the escalating national debt and the instability in the bond market. Bannon and his guests analyze the implications of rising interest rates and the government's inability to sustain its debt:

• Johnny Khan [43:09]: “The American people understand it. It's going to be a lot more in the future.”

The discussion parallels personal debt management to national financial strategies, illustrating how bond market challenges are impacting everyday Americans:

• Johnny Khan [50:19]: “I think it's $7 trillion we know already has to be refinanced in this coming year with Scott Bessant. It's going to be a herculean task.”

5. The Ukrainian Conflict and U.S. Foreign Policy

The episode critiques both the Biden administration and President-elect Trump’s potential strategies regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. There is an evident frustration with prolonged engagement and ineffective support:

• Johnny Khan [33:59]: “The Ukrainians have not been able to put more manpower in the field. They are running out.”

Bannon questions the strategic direction, suggesting that Trump’s approach would differ fundamentally from Biden’s:

• Johnny Khan [35:06]: “The aid that we have given to Ukraine thus far will look like peanuts.”

6. Call for Elon Musk to Lead California's Recall Effort

Amidst the criticism of Newsom, Bannon and Khan propose unconventional solutions, including the controversial suggestion of Elon Musk leading a recall effort to oust the governor:

• Johnny Khan [17:55]: “I think Elon Musk should lead a recall effort against Gavin Newsom… I would rather have 1% of Elon Musk's brain dedicated to fixing California than 100% of the Democratic Party of California.”

Khan argues that Musk’s business acumen and vested interest in California’s success make him a suitable candidate to rectify the state’s crises.

7. Upcoming Executive Actions and Legislative Moves

Bannon outlines the incoming Trump administration's agenda, dubbed the "Days of Thunder" preamble, which includes executive orders and significant legislative actions aimed at addressing national debt, immigration deportations, and foreign policy:

• Stephen K. Bannon [52:42]: “The three big efforts… is the ending the kinetic part of the third World War, deportations, and the debt and deficit.”

He emphasizes the urgency of these actions to stabilize the nation’s economic and security situation.

Notable Quotes

• Johnny Khan [00:40]: “If they had some fire trucks, just put a squirt here, a squirt there and kept an eye on things. All these houses would be here now.”
• Gavin Newsom [01:12]: “We would spend another month. I'm very familiar with them.”
• Johnny Khan [12:00]: “In Gavin Newsom's California, you can steal just under $1000 and not be charged with a felony.”
• Stephen K. Bannon [04:24]: “Of every major nation combined, and has stolen more of Americans personal and corporate data than that of every nation, big or small combined.”
• Johnny Khan [27:30]: “We need a military that is a large, snarling, a very scary organism that our enemies actually not just respect, but fear.”
• Johnny Khan [17:55]: “I think Elon Musk should lead a recall effort against Gavin Newsom… I would rather have 1% of Elon Musk's brain dedicated to fixing California than 100% of the Democratic Party of California.”

Conclusion

Episode 4189 of Bannon's War Room is a fervent critique of Governor Gavin Newsom's administration, particularly its handling of California's wildfire crisis. The discussion extends beyond local governance, touching upon national security threats, economic instability, and the strategic direction of the incoming Trump administration. By integrating personal anecdotes, political analysis, and urgent calls to action, the episode serves as a rallying point for listeners dissatisfied with current leadership and seeking substantial change.