Podcast Summary: Bannon’s War Room – Episode 5142

"Embracing The Grassroots To Change The Course Of The Country; Civil War In The Texas GOP"

Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Steve Bannon
Guests: Wade Miller, Luke Macias, Debbie Georgiadis, Jenny Story

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the political crisis and “civil war” within the Texas GOP, focusing on the mobilization of grassroots conservatives in response to the perceived threat of Sharia law in Texas, the contentious battle lines in the Republican Party, and the role of Texas as a national bellwether for the conservative movement. Key figures from Texas’s grassroots and political scene explore the stakes and strategy of the ongoing primary races and the emergence of Proposition 10 (a ballot proposition regarding Sharia law). The episode features in-depth discussions about the political, legal, and cultural dimensions of these issues, aiming to galvanize listeners for action.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Threat of Sharia Law and Texas’s Response

• Opening Segment:
  The episode begins with strong rhetoric about "Islamic Jihadis" and the supposed infiltration of radical Islam in Texas, with references to "Sharia compounds" and warnings about attempts to impose Sharia law.

  • “Islamic Jihadis are plotting against you.” (Steve Bannon, 00:08)
  • “On 3 March, Sharia law goes on the ballot in the state of Texas. The United States Constitution and Sharia are fundamentally at odds with one another.” (Steve Bannon, 00:45)

• Wade Miller’s Perspective (CRA):
  Miller discusses the challenge of framing opposition to Sharia, emphasizing the need for principled leadership that distinguishes between religious liberty and the imposition of an “alien culture.”

  • “We need people to understand that distinction and get out of this failed framing that this is somehow a First Amendment issue.” (Wade Miller, 04:56)
  • Miller asserts that the issue is not bigotry but the protection of constitutional order, calling for nuanced legal strategies to avoid being dismissed in court.

• Europe as a Cautionary Tale:
  Both Bannon and Miller point to Europe (Paris, London, the Netherlands) as warnings, claiming that lack of early intervention led to cultural and political transformation by Islamic immigrants.

  • “If you don’t get in front of this early enough, what has happened, particularly what’s happening in Europe.” (Steve Bannon, 05:57)
  • “We need to look at Europe, and they’re 10 to 20 years ahead of us... I think we have opportunity, but I think for Europe it may be too late.” (Wade Miller, 07:31)

• Progressive Alliance and Islamism:
  The “red-green” alliance between the Marxist left and Islamic groups is described as a political maneuver, with Islamists allegedly using the left as “useful idiots.”

  • “They’re using them and working with them purely for political power... but down the road... they’ll be surprised.” (Wade Miller, 09:46)

2. Texas as a National Battleground: Primaries and Civil War in the GOP

• Texas’s National Impact:
  Texas’s internal political battles are nationalized due to its size, economic standing, and the fierce grassroots-versus-establishment dynamic within the state GOP.

  • “Texas is the railhead of the MAGA movement... 31 million people... such a vast group of just dedicated grassroots.” (Steve Bannon, 19:07)
  • “We have been the epicenter of some of the largest Civil war battles in the Republican Party... when you started talking about the impeachment issue... it nationalized this.” (Luke Macias, 17:52)

• Grassroots Awakening:
  Luke Macias describes a 20-year maturation of Texas’s conservative grassroots, citing increased political awareness due to Tea Party and local movements.

  • “When I started... there was no grassroots... this is a 20 year long maturing process.” (Luke Macias, 18:31)
  • “The establishment is spending so much money, because people know more than they ever have.” (Luke Macias, 19:03)

• Persistent Civil War:
  Macias notes the business and establishment wing of the Texas GOP is losing power yet flexing remaining muscle, fueling continued infighting.

  • “They know that if they can’t at least stem the momentum that conservatives have started, they will lose entire control of Texas.” (Luke Macias, 20:34)

• Record-Setting Senate Primary:
  Despite over $100 million being spent on the Republican Senate primary, Macias says polls have been static, demonstrating grassroots influence overtaking corporate money.

  • “Money doesn’t seem to be driving substantially the polls one way or another... It’s all gonna be about get out the vote.” (Luke Macias, 21:45)

3. Shifting the Overton Window: Sharia Law Becomes Center Stage

• Sharia Debate’s Evolution:
  Macias recounts that, three years prior, advocates against recognizing Muslim holidays or faith in state law were derided as “bigots,” but now establishment politicians are taking up the anti-Sharia banner as public pressure grows.

  • “Now all those same Republicans are out there saying, we gotta ban all of this all the time. I posted the first text I got from Senator Cornyn that talked about Sharia law... Overton window.” (Luke Macias, 23:39)

• Legislative Tactics:
  Attempts by Muslim lawmakers in Texas to insert terms like “imam” into the state legal code are used as examples of this perceived cultural shift.

  • “They want the word imam into Texas code. They want it right next to pastor. And so they’re trying to insert their faith into Texas code.” (Luke Macias, 25:47)
  • “Resolutions they pass... is the state of Texas officially celebrating the Muslim faith.” (Luke Macias, 26:13)

4. The Role and Power of the Grassroots

• Driving Policy and Narrative:
  Grassroots activism is credited with pushing Sharia onto the ballot (Proposition 10), forcing even establishment figures like Senator Cornyn to address the issue.

  • “The grassroots here drove the conversation... The reason there is a proposition... that says Texas should prohibit Sharia law is because of the grassroots.” (Debbie Georgiadis, 42:08)

• Importance of Prop 10:
  Proposition 10 is framed as a symbolic, not legal, move—an “overwhelming primal scream” from Texans to their officials.

  • “It doesn’t have any impact. It does not become part of the Constitution. It’s not making a new law. It’s a voice of the people. It’s a primal scream.” (Debbie Georgiadis, 45:44)

• Advising Grassroots Leaders:
  Jenny Story warns about out-of-district and “dark money” PACs attacking precinct chairs (the heart of the grassroots), urging vigilance among activists.

  • “There’s dark money that’s coming into Texas... Just be very careful about accepting something that might say MAGA or Trump.” (Jenny Story, 49:02)

• Voter Mobilization:
  Story underscores the need for conservatives to vote, lamenting low turnout and encouraging action, especially in primaries.

  • “The problem is we also see that a lot of conservatives don’t like to get off their couch to vote.” (Jenny Story, 50:00)
  • “You have to vote... be part of history, vote in these primaries.” (Jenny Story, 50:33)

5. National Implications and Party Unity

• Democrat Party Radicalization:
  Bannon and Georgiadis reflect on the shift of the Texas Democratic Party toward the far left, drawing comparisons to other states and warning of the risk of constitutional and cultural erosion.

  • “Yes, the Texas Democrat Party is not fighting any of. They didn’t stand up during the four years of Biden Harris against any of the policies. They all acted like it was normal.” (Debbie Georgiadis, 37:47)

• RNC Dynamics & Legislative Priorities:
  Georgiadis, as a member of the RNC, shares frustration with the Senate filibuster holding back conservative election reform (SAVE Act), arguing Democrats would abandon it if roles were reversed.

  • “They’re not compelled to follow that rule... The SAVE act is about really saving America’s elections.” (Debbie Georgiadis, 31:48)
  • “If there is an opportunity for the Democrats... I think there’s no doubt they’ll do it.” (Debbie Georgiadis, 34:19)

• Sharia-Free American Caucus:
  The launch of this congressional caucus is seen as a watershed moment, lending legitimacy and momentum to anti-Sharia efforts.

  • “For the federal government, the United States House of Representatives, to form a Sharia free caucus... gives people permission to talk about it.” (Debbie Georgiadis, 35:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Wade Miller:
  • “We need smart people addressing these problems and people who are not afraid to say that this is a problem. And we’re gonna stop it.” (05:07)
• Luke Macias:
  • “When I started, there was no grassroots… this is a 20 year long maturing process.” (18:31)
  • “I remember a friend of mine in Weatherford… his pastor gets up on Sunday and says Mike Alcott’s right there, we’re all voting for him. And… he’s never gonna celebrate Muslim holidays at the Texas House.” (24:05)
• Debbie Georgiadis:
  • “There is a spirit of liberty here that is carried on by ranchers and farmers. But even within the cities… there is a division… But we can come together and recognize it’s the Democrat radical, Marxist, socialist agenda… that is our real enemy.” (39:14)
  • “Proposition 10… is a primal scream of the people to our elected officials. Do something.” (45:44)
• Jenny Story:
  • “We’re an activist company and we support our activism by selling cell phone service… we put God at the helm of our business and our mission.” (51:03)

Important Timestamps

• [02:46] Wade Miller: On distinguishing religious liberty from legal/cultural imposition
• [05:57] Bannon/Miller: Europe as a warning regarding cultural change
• [09:46] Miller: Progressive-Islamist political alliance in American cities
• [17:52] Macias: Why Texas political battles capture national attention
• [21:45] Macias: Senate primary spending & grassroots impact
• [23:15] Macias: Sharia debate’s evolution; Overton window shift
• [25:47] Macias: Muslim lawmakers’ legislative strategy in Texas
• [31:48] Georgiadis: RNC perspective on the SAVE Act & filibuster
• [35:28] Georgiadis: Congressional Sharia-Free Caucus
• [39:14] Georgiadis: Texas grassroots ethos and activism
• [42:08] Georgiadis: Role of grassroots in advancing Proposition 10
• [45:44] Georgiadis: Importance and intent of Proposition 10
• [49:02] Jenny Story: Warning about attacks on precinct chairs
• [50:00] Jenny Story: Grassroots voter turnout is essential

Calls to Action

• Proposition 10:
  Listeners are urged to vote "overwhelmingly" for Prop 10 to send a clear message to elected officials about community resistance to Sharia law.

• Vigilance in Primaries:
  Be wary of PACs and candidate endorsements that appear to be MAGA- or Trump-aligned but have out-of-district or dark money influence.

• Active Engagement:
  Listeners are encouraged to engage with their senators on issues like the SAVE Act, maintain engagement at the local (precinct) level, and support grassroots efforts.

Where to Find the Guests

• Wade Miller: americarenewing.com, X: @WadeMiller
• Luke Macias: The Luke Macias Show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple; Twitter: @LukeMaciasTX
• Debbie Georgiadis: americacanwetalk.org, bansharia.com; Twitter: @DebbieCanWeTalk
• Jenny Story/Patriot Mobile: patriotmobile.com/bannon; Phone: 972-PATRIOT

Overall Tone:
Urgent, adversarial, and combative—emphasizing existential stakes, mobilization of grassroots power, and the defense of constitutional and cultural identity against “radical” left and Islamic influences.