Bannon’s War Room: Episode 4567 - "Mainstream Bangs The War Drum"
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host/Author: WarRoom.org
Description: WAR ROOM: Pandemic, hosted by Stephen K. Bannon, delivers the most up-to-the-minute news and insights from medical experts, politicians, business leaders, and frontline responders. This episode delves into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, economic policies under President Trump’s administration, and the shifting dynamics of global currencies.
1. Escalating US-Iran Tensions
John Bolton on Potential Action Against Iran's Supreme Leader [00:00]
John Bolton initiates the discussion by addressing the intelligence community's assessment of Iran's Supreme Leader's location. He states:
"We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there. We are not going to take him out kill. At least not for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin."
Bolton emphasizes the delicate balance the administration faces in deciding whether to take decisive military action against Iran's leadership.
Nikki Haley's Stance on Iran's Nuclear Ambitions [00:20]
Nikki Haley responds by expressing unwavering support for President Trump's judgment:
"I think for now is a term that I told us should understand in Trump world is ever changing... If we don't take out their nuclear program now, we'll all regret it."
She underscores the imperative of neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities, asserting that the regime poses a significant threat to regional and global stability.
Admiral James Stavridis Advises on Military Options [02:52]
Host Wolf Blitzer brings in Admiral James Stavridis to discuss possible military responses to the Israel-Iran conflict. Stavridis outlines three broad options:
"One is let the Israelis continue to pound away. Another one is put pressure on the Iranians by moving forces into the region, sort of set the table for strikes, but then use that leverage to get back to a negotiation. That would be option two. And then option three, of course, would be to conduct a strike."
He emphasizes the need for the President to receive comprehensive advice on each potential course of action, weighing both pros and cons.
John Bolton on Post-Regime Scenarios [03:57]
Bolton raises concerns about the aftermath of a potential regime change:
"What steps into the vacuum if the regime falls?"
He highlights the risks of a power vacuum, drawing parallels to the chaos experienced in Iraq and Afghanistan, and questions the viability of potential successor factions like Reza Pahlavi or the National Council for Resistance in Iran.
Nikki Haley on the Importance of Regime Change [04:42]
Haley counters Bolton’s concerns by focusing on the long-term benefits of dismantling the current Iranian regime:
"I hope it's eliminating. I would like to see this regime fall, but I'm going to leave it up to the President as to what to do and when to do it."
She argues that removing the regime will pave the way for true peace in the Middle East, drawing historical comparisons to Hitler’s Germany:
"What would happen in Germany if we took him out in the mid-30s. Well, I wish we had, because we know what happened when they let him stay in power."
Steve Bannon’s Critique of Mainstream Media Coverage [06:18]
Steve Bannon voices frustration with mainstream media narratives:
"This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going medieval on these people."
He criticizes media outlets for misleading the public and emphasizes the need for decisive action against Iran.
2. Economic Policies and Blue Collar Wages
Joe Lavornia on Blue Collar Wage Growth [20:15]
Joe Lavornia, Special Counsel to the Secretary of Treasury, discusses the surge in blue collar wages under the Trump administration:
"In the first five months of this Trump administration, the annualized increase in real blue collar wages is almost 2%."
He attributes this growth to pro-growth, supply-side policies, including tax cuts and reduced illegal immigration, which have collectively enhanced workers' purchasing power.
Steve Bannon on Policy Drivers [21:58]
Bannon connects wage growth to broader economic strategies:
"This shows why the immigration policy, sealing the border and mass deportation is the beginning of that has all worked out."
He highlights the administration’s focus on supporting the working and middle class through targeted economic policies.
Philip Patrick on Economic Incentives and Deficit Management [39:33]
Philip Patrick from Birch Gold discusses the challenges of balancing economic growth with deficit reduction:
"I think it's all about creating incentives. If you ask me as an economist what we have to do, the answer is not politically viable. What we have to do really is curb spending. We have to sort of generate more revenue."
He underscores the complexity of sustaining economic growth while addressing national debt and deficits.
3. Currency Dynamics and the Role of Gold
David Malpass on the Federal Reserve and Currency Stability [26:43]
David Malpass, former head of the World Bank, critiques the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies:
"They’re driving through the rearview mirror. Their models are really antiquated."
He advocates for a strong dollar as the global reserve currency and warns against the implications of a destabilized currency system.
Philip Patrick on Gold as a Safe Haven [32:31]
Patrick elaborates on the resurgence of gold in global financial markets:
"The trajectory is not letting up. Gold buying is increasing."
He points out that as demand for U.S. debt wanes, central banks are turning to gold to safeguard their reserves, reaffirming gold’s role as a premier safe-haven asset alongside the U.S. dollar.
Discussion on BRICS and the Rio Reset [50:29]
The conversation touches upon the BRICS nations' plans to challenge the U.S. dollar’s dominance:
"Philip, Patrick and Steve... discussing the end of the dollar empire and the importance of maintaining the dollar as the global reserve currency."
Patrick emphasizes the strategic importance of gold in countering the diminishing dominance of the dollar, especially in the context of geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties.
4. Geopolitical and Economic Intersections
Impact of Iran Conflict on Global Oil Markets [46:03]
Philip Patrick analyzes the potential ramifications of prolonged Iran-Israel conflict on global oil markets:
"Geopolitical shocks like this... makes the cracks worse at a time when we really can't afford to."
He warns that increased instability in oil-producing regions could lead to soaring oil prices, exacerbating global inflation and economic strain.
Economic Growth Amid Geopolitical Tensions [47:35]
Patrick stresses the urgency of resolving conflicts to prevent further economic destabilization:
"From an economic standpoint, we've got to end this as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it's going to be the catalyst for the Fed to keep interest rates where they are."
He links the resolution of geopolitical tensions directly to the sustainability of economic growth and monetary policies.
5. Final Insights and Future Outlook
Steve Bannon on the Future of the U.S. Economy and Global Order [41:34]
Bannon reflects on historical economic systems and the current challenges facing the U.S.:
"This is how every empire in history has collapsed and we're heading down that path."
He draws parallels between past economic collapses and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for strategic economic and geopolitical maneuvers to preserve U.S. dominance.
Philip Patrick on the Multipolar World and Currency Shifts [42:53]
Patrick discusses the transition towards a multipolar world and its implications for the U.S. dollar:
"My concern now is not that we lose global reserve currency status, but that we move into a more multipolar world."
He highlights the strategic steps needed to maintain the dollar's prominence amidst evolving global alliances and economic policies.
Conclusion
Episode 4567 of Bannon’s War Room provides a comprehensive analysis of the intertwined nature of geopolitical conflicts and economic policies. The discussions highlight the critical decisions facing the U.S. administration in addressing the Iranian nuclear threat, the impact of these decisions on global markets, and the strategic importance of maintaining the U.S. dollar's dominance in the face of emerging challenges. Insights from key figures like John Bolton, Nikki Haley, Admiral James Stavridis, Joe Lavornia, David Malpass, and Philip Patrick offer a multifaceted perspective on navigating the complexities of international relations and domestic economic growth.
Notable Quotes:
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John Bolton [00:00]: "We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there."
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Nikki Haley [00:20]: "If we don't take out their nuclear program now, we'll all regret it."
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Steve Bannon [06:18]: "This is the primal scream of a dying regime."
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Joe Lavornia [20:15]: "In the first five months of this Trump administration, the annualized increase in real blue collar wages is almost 2%."
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Philip Patrick [32:31]: "The trajectory is not letting up. Gold buying is increasing."
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David Malpass [26:43]: "They’re driving through the rearview mirror. Their models are really antiquated."
This summary is intended for informational purposes and encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Episode 4567 of Bannon’s War Room. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.
