Podcast Summary: Bannon’s War Room – Episode 4717
Title: Mamdani's Silicon Valley Sellout; Political Hands In NonProfits
Date: August 19, 2025
Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Featured Guests: Glenn Story (Patriot Mobile), Naomi Wolf, John Lott, Jack Posobiec
Overview
This episode centers on the growing influence of progressive and allegedly foreign-supported movements in U.S. politics—particularly focusing on New York City’s mayoral race with candidate Zoran Mamdani. The discussion explores grassroots frustrations in Texas GOP politics, exposes complex nonprofit funding mechanisms behind political activism, and draws international parallels between developments in New York and political change in London. The show’s tone is urgent, combative, and often deeply skeptical of establishment narratives and institutions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Grassroots GOP Frustration and Mobilization in Texas
- Glenn Story updates on Texas GOP's internal strife, particularly with the efforts to redistrict five seats (with a goal of ten) against "rhino establishment" figures seen as remnants of Bush-era politics ([00:33], [01:39]).
- Emphasis on challenges: Maintained conservative electoral victories contrast with perceived leadership betrayal at the state house level.
- Story highlights the need for grassroots truth-telling, voter roll maintenance, and supporting candidates who share core values: "God, country and family."
“We want the truth exposed... most of us are hardworking. We love America and we want to do what's right for Texas.” (Glenn Story, [03:06])
- Community Involvement: Story discusses collaborations with music star Jason Aldean on tour, raising $200k for a charity supporting children with cancer.
2. Patriot Mobile’s Mission and Differentiation
- Patriot Mobile claims to combine standard cell services with values-based advocacy—supporting causes and philanthropies aligned with conservative values.
- Story advocates for switching carriers:
“When you call into 972 Patriot... you talk with a redneck like me or a Californian, and you get the problems resolved.” ([06:32])
- Host Bannon frames their business as more responsive, values-driven alternative to mainstream telecom giants.
3. The New York Mayoral Race: Zoran Mamdani and Nonprofit Funding Networks
- Naomi Wolf deep-dives into the background of Zoran Mamdani, the "front runner for New York mayor," framing him as a “puppet candidate” with suspect bona fides ([09:54]):
- Not a U.S. citizen until 2018, maintains dual Ugandan-American citizenship.
- Lacks substantive career or business experience; assets are mainly in Uganda.
- Questions raised about his commitment to U.S. interests, transparency regarding overseas property, and readiness for office ([11:05]).
- Wolf cites forensic analysis by ex-CPA Sam Antar, alleging illegal and opaque funding networks for Mamdani (and similar candidates):
- Describes a money flow system—“a Soros-backed circular money flow”—where funds are funneled through 501c3 nonprofits, then to 501c4 advocacy groups to directly impact elections ([21:21]).
- Claims potential IRS violations, as 501c3 donations (tax-deductible) are reportedly repurposed for partisan political activities—strictly prohibited by law.
Memorable Quote
“Shall I start with Mamdani and what I found out about his fakeness? ... He would rather keep his passport to that nation [Uganda] than just be in America.” (Naomi Wolf, [11:05])
- Wolf and Bannon both paint this as part of a pattern—connecting left-wing elite schooling, financial capital movement, and foreign-backed Marxist/Islamist alliances.
- Wolf: “They are planning to destroy New York the way they destroyed London in exactly the same way.” ([21:21])
- Bannon equates the moment to a Bolshevik-style takeover: “Once these guys take power in New York City, they ain’t giving it up.” ([16:59])
4. Comparisons to Sadiq Khan & 'Red-Green Alliance' Narrative
- Bannon draws parallels between Sadiq Khan in London and Mamdani in NYC.
- Suggests both cases involve alliances between Marxist and Islamist factions (“Red-Green Alliance”) seeking radical change of Western urban centers ([16:59], [21:21]).
- Warns the audience of irreversible changes:
“This is neo-Marxism and Marxism combined with Islamist political power. ... Once these guys take power in New York City, they ain’t giving it up.” ([16:59])
- Warns the audience of irreversible changes:
5. Calls to Action and Countermeasures
- Wolf pushes for immediate legal and financial scrutiny:
- IRS and Treasury should investigate the Open Society Institute’s funding routes and freeze suspect assets ([32:01]).
- Encourages support for insurgent young Republican and independent candidates in Brooklyn who could “hold the fort” if the mayoralty is lost ([32:01]).
- Details of upcoming events and where to learn more:
“Come tomorrow night to the Donald J. Trump New York Republican Club where I’ll be speaking. ... Come follow me. Naomi R. Wolfe on X and ... on Outspoken on Substack and Daily Cloud.” ([36:02], [36:47])
6. Auditing NGOs and Nonprofits – John Lott
- Lott advocates for aggressive IRS auditing of nonprofits' annual 990 forms, especially those receiving public funding and involved in direct politics ([37:28]).
- IRS has authority but rarely audits such organizations.
- Bannon: “I have no problem going after if they say you’re going after these Democratic because they’re all a bunch of left-wing organizations.” ([39:05])
- Lott recommends focusing on all major organizations to avoid charges of partisanship, but notes most money flows left.
7. Concerns Over Crime Data Manipulation and Urban Decline
- Lott also addresses claims that police are underreporting crime rates in Washington, D.C., on mayoral or administrative orders ([40:08]).
- Cites complaints from the police union over reclassifying felony crimes as misdemeanors to improve official stats.
- Links to further analysis at crimeresearch.org.
8. Ukraine Updates & International Politics – Jack Posobiec
- Brief segment (from [45:52]) on Ukraine: Trump’s negotiations with Putin and Zelensky, future of U.S. and allied troop involvement, and skepticism over media narratives.
- Parallels drawn between U.S. and UK immigration/open border policies and their political consequences, referencing Sadiq Khan’s rise in London ([42:04]).
Timeline of Notable Segments
| Timestamp | Segment & Speaker(s) | Key Points | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | 00:33 | Texas Redistricting (Bannon, Glenn Story) | Grassroots organizing, frustration with state GOP establishment. | | 03:06 | Glenn Story | "God, country and family" as conservative values. | | 05:44 | Patriot Mobile philanthropy | Story’s collaboration with Jason Aldean. | | 09:54 | Naomi Wolf introduction | Wolf on Mamdani’s background and financing. | | 11:05 | Naomi Wolf | Detailed critique of Mamdani as “fake” candidate. | | 16:59 | Bannon on New York’s radical transformation | The "Red-Green alliance" and radical shift parallels to London. | | 21:21 | Wolf on Soros/OSI funding & IRS violations | Description of alleged illegal circular funding.| | 32:01 | Wolf’s action steps | IRS intervention and local candidate support. | | 37:28 | John Lott on NGO audits | Call for IRS scrutiny into nonprofits’ finances.| | 40:08 | Lott on DC crime data manipulation | Exposes alleged deliberate underreporting. | | 42:04 | Jack Posobiec (brief segment) | UK/US political parallels, Sadiq Khan and urban transformation. |
Memorable Quotes
- Bannon ([16:59]):
“Once these guys take power in New York City, they ain’t giving it up. They’re like the Bolsheviks... As soon as they got their hands on the apparatus of real power, they never gave it up until the whole thing collapsed.” - Naomi Wolf ([11:05]):
“He [Mamdani] would rather keep his passport to that nation than just be in America. ... Do you want to put one of the largest economies in the world in the hands of someone who didn’t bother to read a lease?” - John Lott ([37:28]):
“It’d be nice to know whether the money is going to places where all these nonprofits have claimed. ... You should check all of them. You know, don’t make it look like you’re just going after Democrats though the vast majority ... are money that’s funneled to Democrat organizations.”
Further Information & Action Steps Mentioned
- Wolf: Attend Thursday’s (Aug 21, 2025) New York Republican Club event featuring insurgent candidates; follow her on social media (@NaomiRWolfe, Substack, Daily Clout).
- Lott: For analysis of crime stats and IRS filings, visit crimeresearch.org.
- Patriot Mobile: Switch support to “values-aligned” telecom; call 972-PATRIOT or visit their site.
This summary encapsulates the episode’s core content and arguments—offering insight into current conservative anxieties, perceived threats from progressive/foreign-aligned urban political shifts, and the mechanisms believed to drive such changes through nonprofits and elite educational institutions. The show frames these developments as not just political, but existential, urging urgent countermeasures and grassroots mobilization.
