Podcast Summary: Bannon’s War Room – Episode 4611: The Depravity Of The 'Ruling Class' With Megyn Kelly

Release Date: July 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 4611 of Bannon’s War Room, hosted by Stephen K. Bannon from WarRoom.org, the discussion centers around the recent devastating flood in Kerrville, Texas, and its broader implications on American society and politics. Featuring interviews with key local officials, Congressman Chip Roy, and a commentary segment with Megyn Kelly, the episode delves into the themes of governmental response, elite disconnection from the populace, and the cultural decline perceived by the hosts.

Tragic Flood in Kerrville, Texas

Timestamp [00:02] – [05:30]

The episode opens with Stephen Bannon expressing frustration over media misinformation and the perceived betrayal by "the ruling class." Bannon emphasizes the importance of national awakening and resilience:

Steve Bannon [00:34]: "Ask yourself, what is my task and what is my purpose? If that answer is to save my country, this country will be saved."

Fire and Rescue Operations:

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leath provides a detailed update on the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts:

• Timestamp [01:28]: Sheriff Leath reports over 850 evacuations, eight injuries, and 27 fatalities (18 adults and nine children) as of 8:55 AM.

  Sheriff Larry Leath [01:28]: "We are now more than 24 hours into this tragic event......"

• Contact Information for Reporting Missing Persons:

  • Phone: 830-258-1111
  • Email: floodrecovery@okerrtx.us

Sheriff Leath highlights the community's strength and the relentless efforts to locate missing individuals, assuring continuous updates as the situation evolves.

Congressman Chip Roy’s Address

Timestamp [05:51] – [26:13]

Representative Chip Roy joins the discussion to offer his support and insights into the flood's impact:

• Heroic Efforts and Community Resilience:

  Chip Roy [05:51]: "Lives lost, saving people like camp directors... we have all been humbled by the outpouring of support."

• Federal and Local Coordination:

  Roy praises the cooperative efforts between state, local, and federal agencies, mentioning direct communication with the President and Secretary of the relevant departments.

  Chip Roy [22:10]: "We've got a coordinated effort, state, local, federal..."

• Personal Anecdotes:

  Sharing a personal story, Roy recounts how a missing schoolmate was rescued, emphasizing the miraculous aspects amidst the tragedy.

• Future Steps:

  Roy underscores the importance of continuing search and rescue operations and maintaining solidarity within the community.

Local Leadership Perspectives

Timestamp [08:52] – [17:13]

Mayor Joe Herring Jr. and City Manager Dalton Rice provide their perspectives on the crisis:

• Mayor Joe Herring Jr.:

  • Community Support:

    Mayor Joe Herring Jr. [09:06]: "The city of Kerrville is thankful we have help from our city crews, county personnel, state agencies, and federal resources."

  • Donation Information:

    Directs listeners to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country for cash donations and the city's Facebook page for updates.

• City Manager Dalton Rice:

  • Operational Updates:

    Details ongoing rescue operations, road conditions, and the challenges faced in search efforts.

    Dalton Rice [10:47]: "Operations did continue through the evening... using specialized equipment and helicopters."

  • Reunification Efforts:

    Shares progress on reuniting families with their children and emphasizes the unknown number of additional missing persons.

    Dalton Rice [15:35]: "We have the known, which is the 27... but the unknown is how many people were here locally."

• Community Challenges:

  Addressing the emotional toll and the practical difficulties in managing the aftermath, including social media harassment towards families.

  Dalton Rice [17:13]: "We are not going to give a list of the names... to protect those families."

Critical Analysis and Commentary

Timestamp [18:01] – [54:50]

Steve Bannon and Joe Herring Jr. engage in a critical discussion about the government's response and the societal implications:

• Media and Government Accountability:

  Bannon criticizes the lack of immediate high-level government presence during the crisis, suggesting it signals a grim outlook.

  Steve Bannon [18:01]: "When the governor and Lieutenant governor do not show up, I think that's also a big tell."

• Social Media Harassment:

  Highlighting the negative impact of social media, Bannon points out how it exacerbates the suffering of affected families by spreading misinformation and soliciting funds irresponsibly.

• Elitism and Cultural Decline:

  The conversation shifts to a broader critique of America's elite, particularly in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Bannon and Herring discuss how elite institutions and cultural shifts contribute to societal problems.

  Joe Herring Jr. [36:44]: "They are being brainwashed and they don't read history because they're not allowed to."

• Call to Action:

  Emphasizing the need for grassroots movements to counteract elite dominance and restore traditional values.

  Steve Bannon [32:58]: "We need to turn the country around as a populist movement."

Interview with Megyn Kelly

Timestamp [26:35] – [54:50]

Stephen Bannon conducts an in-depth interview with Megyn Kelly, exploring her views on America's cultural and political trajectory:

• Cultural Decline:

  Kelly laments the shift from wholesome cultural values to what she perceives as moral degradation in media and society.

  Megyn Kelly [27:51]: "It's dark, the culture's really slid... you see sunsets compared to the 1950s and 1960s."

• Impact of Education and Socialization:

  Discusses how educational institutions and societal norms are fostering anti-American sentiments and eroding foundational values.

  Megyn Kelly [31:56]: "They have got to watch out. You can't get Puritan like the left did in its holistic messages."

• Economic and Political Critique:

  Criticizes socialism and high taxation models, using Sweden as an example of economic stagnation due to heavy taxation.

  Megyn Kelly [36:44]: "Socialism doesn't encourage any sort of invention or innovation and it leaves you just a flatlined economy."

• Media Representation of the Elite:

  Kelly expresses disdain for the portrayal of elites in media events, highlighting perceived hypocrisy and detachment from ordinary Americans.

  Megyn Kelly [40:55]: "It's disgusting... they're completely vapid."

• Hope for Political Change:

  Advocates for political realignment to counteract the current administration's policies and restore America's traditional values.

  Megyn Kelly [41:07]: "We got to just keep doing our work to try to get the fabric facts out there."

Conclusion

Episode 4611 of Bannon’s War Room presents a narrative that intertwines the immediate tragedy of the Kerrville flood with a broader critique of American societal and political structures. Through interviews with local officials and political figures like Chip Roy, coupled with Megyn Kelly’s cultural commentary, the episode underscores themes of elite disconnection, cultural decline, and the necessity for grassroots activism. The discussions are punctuated with emotional appeals and strategic directives aimed at mobilizing listeners to support affected communities and challenge prevailing socio-political norms.

Notable Quotes:

1. Steve Bannon [00:34]: "Ask yourself, what is my task and what is my purpose? If that answer is to save my country, this country will be saved."

2. Chip Roy [05:51]: "Lives lost, saving people like camp directors."

3. Mayor Joe Herring Jr. [09:06]: "The city of Kerrville is thankful we have help from our city crews, county personnel, state agencies, and federal resources."

4. Dalton Rice [15:35]: "We have the known, which is the 27... but the unknown is how many people were here locally."

5. Megyn Kelly [27:51]: "It's dark, the culture's really slid... you see sunsets compared to the 1950s and 1960s."

6. Steve Bannon [32:58]: "We need to turn the country around as a populist movement."

7. Megyn Kelly [36:44]: "Socialism doesn't encourage any sort of invention or innovation and it leaves you just a flatlined economy."

Overall Insights:

The episode effectively combines real-time crisis reporting with ideological discussions, reflecting a perspective that is critical of current government and elite institutions. It calls for community resilience, political activism, and a return to traditional values as solutions to both immediate disasters and long-term societal challenges.