Podcast Summary: Bannon's War Room
Episode 4705: Taking Back The Culture; Smithsonian’s Systematic Process Of Telling The Story Of America Through Oppression
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 4705 of Bannon's War Room, host Stephen K. Bannon delves into the pressing issues surrounding economic inflation and the perceived leftist control over America's cultural institutions. The episode centers on the theme of "Taking Back The Culture," focusing specifically on the Smithsonian Institution's approach to narrating American history. Bannon is joined by Joe Lavornier from the Treasury Department, Ambassador Rick Grinnell from the Kennedy Center, and Roger Kimball, editor of The New Criterion and publisher of Encounter Books.

Economic Indicators and Inflation Concerns

Inflation Metrics Overview

Bannon opens the discussion with an analysis of recent inflation data, highlighting significant increases in headline and core inflation rates. He emphasizes the persistent rise in prices, even when excluding volatile sectors like food and energy.

• Stephen K. Bannon [00:00]: "Headline number is whoppingly big. Oh my goodness. Up 910 of a percent. Up 9 10."

Treasury’s Perspective on Inflation

Joe Lavornier provides insights on the Treasury's stance regarding inflation, attributing the recent inflation trends not to tariffs but to uncontrolled government spending. He underscores the importance of addressing the fiscal deficit to curb inflation.

• Joe Lavornier [06:06]: "Most consumer goods prices, they're not even 1% at annualized rate. Apparel prices are basically flat. Auto prices since then...are down over 2% annualized."

Deficit and Fiscal Policy

Bannon discusses the looming deficit increase and emphasizes the necessity of rescission packages and impoundments to manage government spending. Lavornier expresses optimism about managing the deficit through controlled spending and increased tariff revenues.

• Stephen K. Bannon [08:00]: "Secretary Bessen's objective, I think we're at 7% deficits to GDP. Right. And that's unsustainable."

• Joe Lavornier [10:06]: "Spending relative to baseline was cut 1.5 trillion. That's a start."

Cultural Institutions Under Leftist Influence

Kennedy Center and Smithsonian Institution

The core of the episode revolves around the critique of how cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian are allegedly being manipulated to portray a narrative of American oppression rather than liberation. Bannon argues that these institutions are tools for the left to reshape American history and culture.

• Stephen K. Bannon [17:02]: "If that person is involved in revising Smithsonian history, we're in some deep doo doo."

Seizing the Institutions

Bannon and his guests advocate for a strategic takeover of these institutions to restore what they consider a truthful and uplifting portrayal of American history. They draw parallels to revolutionary tactics, suggesting a need for urgency and decisive action.

• Stephen K. Bannon [42:12]: "They're locked in. They think we're blowing through town. That's why the Kennedy center, you have to seize the institutions."

Guest Interviews and Insights

Ambassador Rick Grinnell on the Kennedy Center

Ambassador Rick Grinnell discusses the recent changes at the Kennedy Center, attributing positive financial outcomes to the new administration's policies. He emphasizes the President's active role in honoring cultural figures and ensuring the institution remains financially viable.

• Rick Grinnell [20:17]: "We have balanced the budget for this year and for next year. We've made some very hard cuts."

• Stephen K. Bannon [23:54]: "I think what surprised a lot of us pleasantly, was how involved on the content side...was he actively involved in the selection here?"

Roger Kimball on Institutional Control

Roger Kimball provides a historical perspective on the "long march through the institutions," arguing that the left has systematically infiltrated and controlled key cultural and educational institutions. He asserts that President Trump is actively reversing this trend by reshaping these institutions to reflect conservative values.

• Roger Kimball [37:42]: "Donald Trump has understood that the institutions that define America...they need to be decapitated."

• Charlie Kirk [45:51]: "Donald Trump is beginning very methodically and very radically to go into these institutions...turning them upside down."

Strategies for Cultural Reclamation

Executive Orders and Policy Changes

Bannon highlights President Trump's use of executive orders to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal institutions, including universities and cultural centers. These actions are portrayed as foundational steps toward reclaiming cultural narratives.

• Charlie Kirk [50:21]: "Donald Trump... has understood that the institutions... they need to be decapitated."

Personnel as Policy

Emphasizing the importance of leadership, Bannon and his guests discuss the role of personnel changes in effectuating cultural shifts within institutions. They argue that replacing existing leadership with individuals aligned with conservative values is crucial for long-term transformation.

• Roger Kimball [49:48]: "There will be a lot of new people there. That is, that's a famous phrase. Personnel is policy."

Future Outlook and Closing Remarks

Bannon concludes the episode by reiterating the urgency of "seizing the institutions" to prevent further leftist influence on American culture and history. He underscores the significance of upcoming events, such as the BRICS summit, and warns of potential economic and cultural repercussions if current trends continue unchecked.

• Stephen K. Bannon [45:13]: "This is going to be the biggest award ceremony of the season."

• Charlie Kirk [51:00]: "Donald Trump is just at the beginning of turning it around."

Notable Quotes

• Stephen K. Bannon [02:14]: "This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going medieval on this."

• Charlie Kirk [16:34]: "It's free, it's uncensored, and it's where all the biggest voices in conservative media are speaking out."

• Roger Kimball [37:42]: "If over a period of time they have actually been perverted... they are working to subvert it."

Conclusion

Episode 4705 of Bannon's War Room presents a stern critique of current economic policies and the perceived leftist takeover of America's cultural institutions. Through detailed discussions and expert interviews, Stephen K. Bannon and his guests outline a strategy for reclaiming and reshaping these institutions to reflect conservative values and a more positive narrative of American history. The episode underscores the urgency of these actions in the face of ongoing economic challenges and cultural shifts.