Bannon's War Room: Episode 5088
Date: January 23, 2026
Title: Jack Smith Hearing: Lies and Meltdown
Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Guests/Contributors: Julie Kelly, Colonel Ivan Raiklin, Ben Berkwam, John Fredericks & others
Episode Overview
This episode centers on a contentious Congressional hearing featuring Special Counsel Jack Smith, focusing on the aftermath of January 6th, the 2020 election, and new claims of prosecutorial misconduct. Stephen K. Bannon and guest analyst Julie Kelly break down the hearing, the reactions of both parties, and what they see as the unraveling strategy of Democrats and mainstream media. The episode also dives into explosive altercations during the hearing, the potential legal trouble for Jack Smith, and broader themes of alleged political weaponization and election integrity.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Opening Salvos and Framing the Narrative (00:00–02:30)
- Bannon opens with claims that the 2020 election was "rigged" and that prosecution is coming for those responsible.
- A Democratic Committee Member references Jack Smith’s testimony asserting that Trump engaged in a “criminal scheme” to overturn the 2020 election and knowingly spread "the big lie."
- The committee debates whether Trump truly believed he lost; Bannon and Republicans argue Trump genuinely believed he won, countering the Democrats' presentation of evidence and testimony.
Notable Quote:
- "Anybody who says that Donald Trump thought he won that election, that is just plain not true. No way. Unless he's the best actor in the history of this building." — Steve Bannon (02:30)
2. The Jack Smith Hearing Drama (02:30–07:00)
- Democratic members read aloud Trump’s social media attacks on Jack Smith, accusing Smith of being “deranged” and corrupt.
- Smith is given an opportunity to respond. (“I don't have anything to add.” — Jack Smith, 04:45)
- Democratic members praise Smith and call Republicans "a joke," predicting harsh judgment from history and calling the hearing “theatre.”
Notable Moment:
Democrats invoke Capitol police officers as heroic defenders, criticizing Republicans for "rewriting history" in front of them (05:56).
3. The Media and Narrative Battle (06:54–11:05)
- Nicole Wallace (via clip referenced by Bannon and Kelly) insists Trump knew he lost and is driving a “big lie.”
- Julie Kelly observes MSNBC and CNN commentators look despondent, not “spiking the football,” despite the hearing being positioned as a win by Democrats.
Notable Quote:
“I have noticed … the other side of us to typically crowing and swooning over Jack Smith on social media. They're awfully quiet as well, because I think this was a disaster for Jack Smith.” — Julie Kelly (11:05)
4. Allegations Against Jack Smith (12:32–13:55)
- Julie Kelly accuses Jack Smith of perjury, claiming his assertions about classified documents at Mar-a-Lago are “provable lies.”
- Specifics are cited: Smith’s team allegedly did not know if the classified documents were in the boxes moved, despite basing obstruction charges on that premise.
- Kelly calls for Department of Justice and Congressional follow-up, implying legal jeopardy for Smith.
Notable Quote:
“He claimed under oath … that Donald Trump obstructed the investigation into classified documents. That is a provable lie ... I hope that the DOJ and Congress follows up on that.” — Julie Kelly (12:39)
5. House Judiciary & Theatrics (20:15–22:26)
- Bannon and Kelly praise Republicans, especially Jim Jordan, for focus and organization, contrasting with what they see as Democratic “theatrics.”
- Kelly says Democrats “did not stick the landing,” noting Raskin’s hints he may call Jack Smith back—a sign, she argues, of Democratic unease.
Notable Quote:
“If they thought that this was a home run ... he would say, all right, that's all we need to hear from Jack Smith. But he was hinting ... he might want to have him come back a third time.” — Julie Kelly (20:57)
6. The Documents Case & Missed Opportunities (23:04–25:38)
- Detailed discussion of alleged misconduct in the Mar-a-Lago documents case: staged photos with classified cover sheets, threats against defense counsel, breaches of attorney-client privilege, and misleading courts/media.
- Kelly argues these are more substantial than the January 6th case, which she says “was on ice” for much of the year.
Notable Points:
- DOJ prosecutor Jay Bratt accused of threatening defense attorney Stanley Woodward regarding cooperation and judicial nominations.
- Kelly asserts there’s ample material for further Senate investigation.
7. 2020 Election and Indictment Rhetoric (26:32–28:00)
- Discussion on the Democrats’ relentless focus on 2020 election denial.
- Kelly suggests ongoing investigations and “proven election fraud in Georgia” now undermine the J6 indictment’s foundation.
- Argues Trump’s belief in election fraud was genuine, thus negating “fraud” intent at the heart of Smith’s case.
Notable Quote:
“He's still saying that there was fraud in the election. So that wipes away the entire basis of Jack Smith's J6 indictment … we've learned a lot more since even this indictment was handed down ... about voting and election fraud.” — Julie Kelly (26:32)
8. Hearing Room Confrontation: Fanon Incident (31:14–39:39)
- A physical and verbal altercation erupts involving former Officer Michael Fanon and Colonel Ivan Raiklin.
- Bannon, Raiklin, and Kelly describe Fanon as unhinged, calling for his removal and asserting he posed a threat.
- Raiklin claims he maintained professionalism while Fanon “melted down,” and criticizes Fanon for disrupting the hearing.
Memorable Exchange:
- “You can't even control yourself … See how many people are constraining you … I’m totally dominating you right now.” — Steve Bannon and Colonel Ivan Raiklin (32:14)
- Bannon: “This guy is threatening my family. Threatened my children. Threatened to rape my children.” (32:18)
- Raiklin: “He clearly has no dominion over his emotional state. He's a danger to society...If he acts this [way] in a professional hearing in the halls of Congress, imagine how he was on January 6th.” (34:20)
9. Tactical Analysis & Future Projections (39:39–42:43)
- Raiklin warns that if Democrats regain the House, they will escalate legal efforts against Trump, including possible impeachment.
- Suggests Virginia AG and Rep. Spanberger could drive new lawfare.
- Bannon and Raiklin urge Republican vigilance, fearing further "political violence" and prosecution.
10. Wrapping Up Key Testimonies & Broader Fallout (40:47–end)
- Further discussion of the impact of conservative media and the importance of “moving the Overton Window.”
- John Fredericks updates on Tina Peters' legal troubles, supporting her defense amid claims of prison system orchestration.
Notable Quote:
“They're going to try to keep her in. … There's nothing they won't do to keep Tina Peters in prison.” — Steve Bannon (48:44)
- Bannon pivots to major news on Minnesota politics, painting Mike Lindell’s performance as so threatening Democrats are "pulling Amy Klobuchar from the Senate" to run for governor.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps
- “Anybody who says that Donald Trump thought he won that election, that is just plain not true. No way. Unless he's the best actor in the history of this building.” — Bannon (02:30)
- “He claimed under oath … that Donald Trump obstructed the investigation into classified documents. That is a provable lie.” — Julie Kelly (12:39)
- “This was a disaster for Jack Smith.” — Julie Kelly (11:05)
- “You can't even control yourself. … See how many people are constraining you.” — (Steve Bannon and Colonel Ivan Raiklin, during confrontation with Fanon, 32:14)
- “If Mr. Fanon is not arrested, I expect him to continue his rhetoric and probably it will turn into violence.” — Colonel Ivan Raiklin (40:47)
- “If that answer is to save my country, this country will be saved.” — Steve Bannon (08:30)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Election Legitimacy Opening Discussion: 00:00–02:30
- Democrats vs. Republicans/Reactions to Trump’s Social Posts: 02:30–07:00
- Media Narrative and MSNBC/CNN Reactions: 06:54–11:05
- Kelly Details Jack Smith Alleged Perjury: 12:32–13:55
- House Judiciary Committee Focus and Republican Tactics: 20:15–22:26
- Documents Case and Missed Prosecution Opportunities: 23:04–25:38
- Democrats' Focus on 2020 Trump “Big Lie”: 26:32–28:00
- Hearing Room Meltdown and Fanon Confrontation: 31:14–39:39
- Raiklin Future Projections/Democratic Legal Tactics: 39:39–42:43
Tone and Language
- Emphatic, combative, and at times conspiratorial, in line with Bannon’s signature style.
- Frequent use of “theater,” “weaponization,” and “big lie” to frame the day’s events.
- Strong partisanship and skepticism toward mainstream narratives.
Conclusion
Episode 5088 of Bannon's War Room provides a robust, often fiery recounting of the Jack Smith Congressional hearing, framing events as a disastrous day for Democrats and Special Counsel Smith. The show decries what it sees as Democratic theatrics and mainstream media failures, hails the Republican performance, details allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, and spotlights the volatility and deep divide in American politics. The explosive confrontation in the hearing room stands out, encapsulating the high emotion and polarization of the ongoing standoff over the 2020 election and January 6th.