Podcast Summary: Bannon’s War Room – Episode 4520: And Then They Came For The Tariffs

Release Date: May 29, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 4520 of Bannon’s War Room, hosted by Stephen K. Bannon, the focus is primarily on the legal challenges facing President Trump's trade tariffs, the administration's response, and the broader political implications. The episode features insights from key figures such as Peter Navarro, a Trump Administration Official, State Attorney General, Legal Analysts, and Democrat Max Rose.

1. Trade Court Ruling Blocks President Trump’s Tariffs

Peter Navarro opens the discussion by announcing a significant legal setback for President Trump's tariff policies.

• Timestamp [00:00]

  “Trade court has blocked most of President Trump's trade tariffs. A three judge panel on the International Court of Trade yesterday ruled that the President did not have the authority to impose the sweeping tariffs.”

The court determined that Trump's invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not grant him the expansive authority to impose such tariffs without identifiable limits. Despite this ruling, the Trump administration plans to appeal the decision.

2. State Attorney General's Reaction

The State Attorney General expresses strong approval of the court’s decision, emphasizing the negative impact of the tariffs on states, consumers, and small businesses.

• Timestamp [00:38]

  “We're very happy about this decision... The court really issued a very strong opinion... We'll see what they say when the Trump administration asks for a stay.”

This perspective underscores the belief that the tariffs functioned effectively as taxes, burdening various economic sectors.

3. Administration’s Defense of Tariffs

A Trump Administration Official defends the tariffs, citing multiple economic emergencies justifying their imposition under IEEPA.

• Timestamp [01:54]

  “We are in a situation now. Big picture here is IEEPA... There's no question that there's an economic emergency with respect to both uses that we had... We think we have a strong case.”

The official highlights three primary emergencies:

1. Fentanyl Crisis: Over a million Americans have been killed by fentanyl poisoning, necessitating measures to curb this epidemic.
2. Illegal Immigration: The influx of 20 million illegal aliens has depressed wages and seized jobs, constituting an economic emergency.
3. Trade Deficit: An annual trade deficit of approximately one trillion dollars represents a significant transfer of wealth abroad.

4. Legal Analysis and Critique

A Legal Analyst voices confidence in the administration's ability to navigate the appeals process, criticizing the legal arguments presented by Trump’s lawyers.

• Timestamp [04:30]

  “They were saying that any emergency order cannot be reviewed by any judge. Then they said any of the relief that they put out... cannot be reviewed by a judge. Absurd stuff.”

The analyst views the court's ruling as a robust rebuke of the administration's overreaching stance, emphasizing the court's ability to review and strike down unconstitutional tariff measures.

5. Political Debate with Max Rose

Max Rose, a Democratic Congressman, engages in a heated exchange criticizing the administration's policies and targeting elite institutions like Harvard.

• Timestamp [07:50] – [09:30]

  Max Rose: “They have a $70 billion endowment... It is all about just people trying to retain social class. It is a whole elitist play.”

• Peter Navarro: Defends Harvard, highlighting its significant scientific research and contributions.

  “They have tons of scientific research going on at Harvard... They have hospitals.”

Rose counters by asserting that support for elite institutions detracts from funding vocational education and benefits only the privileged class.

6. Administration’s Strategic Response

The Trump Administration Official discusses alternative legal avenues to implement tariffs, referencing various sections of trade law (e.g., Sections 122, 301, 232, 338).

• Timestamp [09:55]

  “There's so many different options we can take... We think that what we've done already is perfectly appropriate.”

Navarro criticizes the court's decision, suggesting a bias against the administration's tariff policies and emphasizing the globalist agenda of the judiciary.

7. Broader Political Implications

Peter Navarro elaborates on the administration's view of the judiciary as an adversary aligned with globalist elites intent on undermining American economic sovereignty.

• Timestamp [10:04] – [11:34]

  “We're coming after you. Deal. And let's make this right... Because ultimately, what's at stake here is the global international environment getting in a way where it's fair to America.”

He draws historical parallels to highlight perceived ongoing struggles between the administration and entrenched elite institutions, positioning the tariffs as part of a broader strategy to protect American economic interests.

8. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with Stephen K. Bannon reiterating the administration's commitment to combating judicial and elite resistance to its economic policies, framing it as a fight for national sovereignty and economic stability.

• Timestamp [12:16]

  “This is why Harvard, the law firms and these radical judges, they're all different aspects of the same thing. The special forces of the deep state and the globalist to keep you in your place.”

Bannon emphasizes the urgency and intensity of the upcoming struggles, urging listeners to remain vigilant and supportive of the administration's initiatives.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Navarro [00:00]: "Trade court has blocked most of President Trump's trade tariffs."
• State Attorney General [00:38]: "These tariffs, which really are taxes and tax increases... we'll see what they say when the Trump administration asks for a stay."
• Trump Administration Official [01:54]: "We are in a situation now. Big picture here is IEEPA... we think we have a strong case."
• Legal Analyst [04:30]: "They were saying that any emergency order cannot be reviewed by any judge. Absurd stuff."
• Max Rose [07:50]: "It is all about just people trying to retain social class. It is a whole elitist play."
• Peter Navarro [09:24]: "Anything has nothing to do with you. Know, being fancy or having a tax deduction."

Final Thoughts

Episode 4520 delves deep into the contentious issue of President Trump’s tariffs, the legal battles ensuing from them, and the broader ideological clash between the administration and established elite institutions. Through robust discussions and spirited debates, the episode underscores the high stakes involved in shaping America's economic and political landscape.