Podcast Summary: Bannon’s War Room
Episode 4621: Demanding And Unseal The Epstein Files; Sealing Our Borders From Foreign Cattle
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction and DOJ Investigations

Nicole Wallace opens the discussion by highlighting alarming developments within the Department of Justice (DOJ). She reports that the DOJ is reportedly investigating former FBI Director Jim Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan, although the reasons remain unclear. Additionally, Wallace cites the New York Times, which claims that the Secret Service has been tracking Comey's movements and phone activities:

“[00:00] Nicole Wallace: It's the Department of Justice that has confirmed that former FBI Director Jim Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan are under criminal investigation. It is unclear why.”

Trump’s “Revenge Tour” and Targeting of Political Figures

Steve Schmidt and John Heilemann delve into President Donald Trump's ongoing "revenge tour," a campaign strategy initially promised during his 2016 campaign. Schmidt emphasizes Trump's focus on targeting individuals like Comey and Brennan, who have been perceived as antagonists by Trump's base long before his presidency:

“[00:28] Steve Schmidt: I mean, these are original characters in the revenge tour, right?”

Heilemann adds that the scrutiny of these figures is part of Trump's strategy to reshape narratives around the Russia investigation:

“[01:07] John Heilemann: ...they're really trying to redo a lot of the Russia stuff with what the CIA had come out and said.”

Weaponizing the Department of Justice

Joy Reid provides a critical perspective on Trump's actions, accusing him of weaponizing the DOJ against political adversaries. She cites several instances where Trump has leveraged DOJ to target individuals, including a congresswoman, a mayor, a senator, and the New York City Comptroller:

“[01:07] Joy Reid: We're in a place in which we are watching Donald Trump weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies...”

Reid urges the media and civil society to recognize and report these actions as abuses of executive power rather than legitimate investigations:

“[05:02] Joy Reid: ...report this as the misuse, the abuse, the authoritarian takeover of the Department of Justice.”

US Foreign Policy and Economic Sanctions

John Heilemann shifts the conversation to international affairs, specifically Ukraine. He notes that despite significant attacks on Ukraine, President Trump has increased support by sending more weapons and pushing for sanctions against Russia:

“[01:07] John Heilemann: Yesterday's assault marked the largest single day attacks on Ukraine...”

Steve Schmidt and Stephen K. Bannon discuss Trump’s trade policies, particularly his actions toward Brazil. Wallace questions the authenticity of Trump's claims regarding trade deficits, pointing out a $7 billion surplus with Brazil:

“[03:34] Nicole Wallace: ...the office of the US Trade Representative says that last year we had a $7 billion trade surplus with Brazil.”

Bannon elaborates that Trump's actions are politically motivated, aiming to exert pressure on countries like Brazil to align with his agenda:

“[04:26] Steve Schmidt: ...it's about the handling of the criminal charges against President Bolsonaro, which has nothing to do with US Manufacturing, US Consumers or US Jobs.”

The Deep State and Transparency in Government

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the concept of the "deep state" and the need for transparency within government institutions. Stephen K. Bannon argues for the immediate unsealing of the Epstein files and comprehensive transparency in DOJ investigations:

“[16:31] Stephen K. Bannon: ...they have to go to the court and demand and unseal the sealed evidence in Epstein that starts.”

Bannon draws parallels to historical events, such as the Kennedy assassination, suggesting that current investigations are influenced by entrenched intelligence agencies:

“[23:31] Steve Bannon: And we're just starting the process.”

BRICS Summit and the Threat to the US Dollar

Steve Bannon alerts listeners to the upcoming BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing its potential impact on the US dollar's dominance in the global economy. He warns that the BRICS nations—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—aim to displace the US dollar:

“[15:00] Steve Bannon: This July there is a global summit of BRICS nations in Rio de Janeiro...”

Bannon promotes gold investments as a hedge against the anticipated decline of the dollar, encouraging listeners to diversify their savings:

“[15:00] Steve Bannon: Learn if diversifying your savings into gold is right for you...”

AI Governance and the Geneva Conference

The podcast also covers the United Nations conference in Geneva focused on artificial intelligence. Joe and Nor discuss the existential risks posed by AI, including surveillance and human atrophy. Joe highlights Estonia’s advanced digital transformation as a case study:

“[38:14] Joe: ...the country has been at the forefront of this transformation for the past three decades...”

Nor emphasizes the concern that major AI advancements are driven by private companies rather than international institutions, posing significant risks:

“[40:03] Nor: ...all of them are basically at the mercy of the Frontier Labs.”

Stephen K. Bannon urges for vigilance against AI governance measures that could undermine individual freedoms:

“[42:18] Stephen K. Bannon: But all of them are basically at the mercy of the Frontier Labs.”

Success in Securing Border Policies

Kathryn O'Neill shares a recent victory in securing stricter border controls by successfully pressuring Secretary Brooke Rawlins to suspend livestock imports from Mexico. She describes the grassroots efforts and social media campaigns that led to this outcome:

“[48:31] Kathryn O'Neill: ...Secretary Brooke Rawlins announced that she was suspending all livestock imports from Mexico because of the pressure that we mounted against her.”

O'Neill highlights the importance of community action and direct engagement with administration officials to effect policy changes:

“[51:02] Kathryn O'Neill: ...we put up a huge, huge fight against it.”

Closing Remarks and Calls to Action

In the closing segments, Stephen K. Bannon reiterates the importance of transparency within the DOJ and warns of escalating conflicts, both domestically and internationally. He calls for continued vigilance against the deep state and emphasizes the need for immediate action to address current challenges:

“[52:18] Stephen K. Bannon: This is not going to happen like that. ...We're just starting the process.”

Notable Quotes

• Nicole Wallace (00:00): "It's the Department of Justice that has confirmed that former FBI Director Jim Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan are under criminal investigation. It is unclear why."

• Steve Schmidt (00:28): "These are original characters in the revenge tour, right?"

• Joy Reid (01:07): "Donald Trump weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies."

• Stephen K. Bannon (16:31): "They have to go to the court and demand and unseal the sealed evidence in Epstein that starts."

• Joe (38:14): "Technology doesn't care about borders."

• Kathryn O'Neill (48:31): "Secretary Brooke Rawlins announced that she was suspending all livestock imports from Mexico because of the pressure that we mounted against her."

Conclusion

Episode 4621 of Bannon’s War Room provides a comprehensive look into several critical issues facing the United States in 2025. From internal DOJ investigations and the targeting of political figures to international economic threats posed by the BRICS nations and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence governance, the episode underscores a narrative of entrenched power struggles and the fight against the deep state. The discussions emphasize the need for transparency, grassroots activism, and strategic economic actions to safeguard national interests and individual freedoms.