Bannon’s War Room: Episode 4542 – Failure of DOGE

Release Date: June 6, 2025
Host: Natalie Winters (filling in for Stephen K. Bannon)
Guest Speakers: Nate Picarsik, Colonel John Mills, Caroline Wren
Sponsored By: Various sponsors (advertisements omitted as per instructions)

1. Introduction and Opening Remarks (00:02 - 00:43)

Stephen K. Bannon opens the episode with a passionate critique of mainstream media, emphasizing the public's frustration with perceived dishonesty:

• "All these networks lying about the people, the people have had a belly full of it." (00:02)

He underscores the urgency of his mission:

• "Ask yourself, what is my task and what is my purpose? If that answer is to save my country, this country will be saved." (00:33)

Natalie Winters takes over as the host, assuring listeners of a focus on significant threats, particularly highlighting the Chinese Communist Party (PRC) as a primary concern.

2. Failure of DOGE Program (00:51 - 05:58)

Natalie Winters discusses the DOGE program, criticizing its inability to achieve the intended $2 trillion in budget cuts. She emphasizes that while DOGE had noble intentions aligned with "Bannonism"—the dismantling of the administrative state—it fell short of its mission.

Key Points:

• DOGE was an organically developed initiative that failed to deliver on its financial overhaul objectives.
• The movement must remain focused on core issues like election integrity without being sidetracked by social media distractions.
• Critique of Elon Musk's involvement and his perceived lack of gratitude towards grassroots supporters:
  • "The idea of ingratitude. We're obviously grateful for what Elon did... but at the end of the day, it was this audience." (05:58)

Natalie stresses the importance of grassroots efforts over reliance on wealthy donors or corporate figures, warning against selling out the movement to elite interests.

3. China's Influence in Peru (05:58 - 13:12)

Guest: Nate Picarsik, author from Real Clear Defense, elaborates on the growing influence of the PRC in Peru, particularly focusing on strategic infrastructure investments and political grooming.

Key Discussions:

• Strategic Investments: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) strategies in Peru, including the development of a megaport that enhances China's control over rare earths and critical supply chains.

  • "Peru is becoming the next strategic outpost in China's global infrastructure web." (07:00)

• Political Manipulation: The grooming of Rafael Lopez Aliaga, Lima's mayor, as a potential future presidential candidate with strong economic ties to China.

  • "He is looking to move up and graduate from being in charge of Lima to being in charge of the entire country." (07:21)

• Call to Action: Emphasizes the need for the U.S. to proactively counter China's strategies rather than remain reactive.

  • "If we don't, we're going to have these looming threats and their ownership of strategic infrastructures surrounding us." (06:37)

Quotes:

• "Peru is important because it's in our backyard in Latin America. China's prioritized it and we're letting them run rough shot over us there." – Nate Picarsik (05:58)
• "We're reactive, on the defensive. It's time that we put China on the defensive, put them on their back foot." – Nate Picarsik (06:37)

Natalie also references China's recent pullout from Panama's BRI commitments as a strategic victory, signaling potential for increased Western engagement in Latin America to counter Chinese moves.

4. Chinese Infiltration in South Korean Elections (13:12 - 25:47)

Guest: Colonel John Mills provides a detailed account of Chinese interference in South Korea's elections, illustrating a broader pattern of PRC's global influence tactics.

Key Topics:

• Election Manipulation: Claims of a coordinated Chinese operation to influence South Korea's elections through the Association of World Election Bodies.

  • "It's part of the international election cartel... throwing elections and making sure populists don't win." (18:24)

• US Complicity: Accusations that the acting US Ambassador in South Korea is facilitating PRC's efforts, necessitating the appointment of a more action-oriented ambassador.

  • "We have to get rid of that guy who's over there and put an action-oriented ambassador in place." (23:01)

• Global Pattern: Highlights how similar tactics are being replicated in the United States, particularly targeting renewable energy investments and key industries.

  • "They're capturing the elites to guarantee that they can lock in that influence." (12:31)

Notable Quotes:

• "If you were to take what they've achieved in Lima and escalate it to the national, national level, that increases the risk for what we have going on in Latin America." – Nate Picarsik (09:08)
• "They've been working on this for 30 years... so we actually need to re-engage in a much better, stronger way." – Colonel John Mills (22:50)
• "We need to get to the point where we're putting them on their back foot." – Colonel John Mills (06:37)

Conclusion: Colonel Mills calls for urgent action from the U.S. government to counteract PRC's infiltration efforts, stressing that delay could result in significant strategic losses.

5. Elon Musk Feud and Jared Isaacman Controversy (25:47 - 43:43)

Guest: Caroline Wren, a fundraising expert, critiques Elon Musk's influence and his fallout with Jared Isaacman—a billionaire nominated for NASA Administrator—posing potential conflicts of interest.

Key Discussions:

• Jared Isaacman's Nomination: Details Isaacman's background, including past fraud charges and substantial donations to Democratic candidates, raising concerns about his suitability and motivations.

  • "Jared Isaacman, who essentially is a modern-day Frank Abagnale." (35:03)

• Conflict of Interest: Isaacman's refusal to divest from Shift4, a company with substantial ties to SpaceX, suggesting potential manipulation for corporate gain.

  • "He did not plan to divest from Shift4 once confirmed." (37:04)

• Political Donations: Isaacman and his wife Monica's extensive donations to Democratic senators, undermining his claimed bipartisan support:

  • "They've given hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 10 years, almost exclusively to Democrats." (37:04)

• Elon Musk's Meltdown: Attributed to Isaacman's nomination and the perceived threat to SpaceX's interests, leading to public fallout.

Notable Quotes:

• "This nomination, frankly, reeked of corruption from the beginning." – Caroline Wren (37:04)
• "He bought his way into the Trump administration with a $2 million bribe to the inaugural fund." – Caroline Wren (39:06)
• "Jared Isaacman's nomination was polled... Thank God this guy is gone." – Caroline Wren (39:06)

Conclusion: Caroline Wren emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing political nominations to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption, advocating for transparency and integrity within the administration.

6. Tribute to Bernie Kerik (50:16 - 53:33)

Stephen K. Bannon and Colonel John Mills honor former NYPD Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik, highlighting his legacy and impact on law enforcement and the MAGA movement.

Key Points:

• Kerik’s Legacy: Recognized for his leadership during and after the September 11, 2001, attacks, symbolizing resilience and dedication.

  • "He was there when the Twin Towers collapsed. He knew the faces of the rescuers who rushed toward danger." (52:08)

• MAGA Connection: Celebrates Kerik as a foundational figure in the MAGA movement, linking his law enforcement prowess to national security and patriotic values.

  • "He was a major part of the history of just not New York City, but the entire country given the 911 attack." (52:22)

• Christian Faith: Emphasizes the role of Christian and Judeo-Christian values in uniting and guiding the community.

  • "The remains of Bernie Kerik... honor the Christian faith." (51:22)

Notable Quotes:

• "Bernie Kerik understands the duties that came to America on September 11th." – Stephen K. Bannon (52:08)
• "Kerik was known as American following the 911 terror attacks." – Colonel John Mills (52:08)
• "He brings a quality of leadership that... gives us the opportunity to build on a record that is a very, very difficult one to match." – Stephen K. Bannon (50:43)

Conclusion

Natalie Winters wraps up the episode by reinforcing the central themes of combating PRC influence, maintaining grassroots movements, and ensuring integrity within political and corporate spheres. She emphasizes the necessity of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard national interests.

Final Remarks:

• The episode underscores the ongoing battles against external and internal threats to American sovereignty and democratic integrity.
• Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, engaged, and supportive of leaders who prioritize national security and grassroots empowerment.

Notable Omissions:
Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content portions have been excluded to maintain focus on the substantive discussions and analyses presented during the episode.