Podcast Summary: Bannon’s War Room – Episode 5246: Live Pre-Game From CPAC

Date: March 25, 2026
Host: Stephen K. Bannon (WarRoom.org)
Location: Live from CPAC, Dallas

Episode Overview

In this episode of Bannon's War Room, the team broadcasts live from CPAC Dallas as the U.S. faces escalating military and diplomatic developments in the Middle East, specifically the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. The episode provides real-time updates on troop deployments, negotiations, and international responses. Key topics include Operation Epic Fury, diplomatic proposals to Iran, troop movements, the intensifying conflict in Lebanon, a landmark social media trial verdict, ICE's role in domestic security and elections, and breaking news involving high-profile legal accountability.

1. The State of the U.S.-Iran War

Discussion begins: [00:00]

Military Developments and Mission Timelines

Caroline Levitt (Trump Press Secretary) underscores that Operation Epic Fury is progressing ahead of schedule, noting that “the greatest military the world has ever known is ahead of schedule and performing exceptionally.” ([00:43], [05:14])
Additional U.S. deployments: 3,000 new troops to the Middle East, adding to Marines and sailors already in the region. ([00:00], [03:31], [04:46])
Military objectives: Weakening Iran’s military and proxies, undermining nuclear ambitions, and seeking to force Iran to the negotiating table through pressure and credible threat.

Quote:

“The Iranian regime is being crippled… their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened.”
— Caroline Levitt ([00:43])

Diplomatic Dynamics

After a major U.S. threat and show of force, Iran signals openness to talks, leading President Trump to temporarily postpone strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
Reports of upcoming diplomatic meetings (possibly in Pakistan), but uncertainty persists regarding the seriousness and participants in negotiations.
Analysts note the lack of clarity on negotiation “contours” and express skepticism about Iran’s willingness to meet U.S. demands, especially regarding recognition of Israel’s right to exist and cessation of support for proxies. ([04:26]–[07:42])

Quote:

“At the end of the day, what we’re seeing is now diplomatic activity and that’s a good thing… but there has to be a bit of a strategy to this as well.”
— Political Analyst ([04:27])

2. International and Regional Impact

Segments: [01:57], [06:19], [35:08]

Regional Voices on Sovereignty and War

Middle East expert/official emphasizes Iran’s regional resilience and insists that coexistence is necessary despite recent hostilities, highlighting the human and economic cost of war. ([01:57])

Quote:

“Iran has been here for millennia... No one people or country will disappear by the wish of any political actor... We will have to find a way past this.”
— Middle East Official ([01:57])

The Israel-Lebanon Front

Continuous Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, supported (to an undisclosed extent) by the U.S. ([05:40])
Civilian impact: Over a million displaced in Lebanon, with concerns raised about Christian and other minority communities in southern Lebanon caught in the crossfire. ([35:46])

Quote:

“So many times when these Middle Eastern wars take place, it’s the Christian communities that get completely washed over, and there’s nobody there to speak for them.”
— (Jack/Steve exchange) ([35:46])

3. Markets, Negotiation Tactics, and U.S. Leverage

Segments: [10:44], [11:48], [33:06]

President Trump’s five-day ceasefire offer aligns with global market cycles, putting additional pressure on Iran and international actors for a diplomatic resolution.
U.S. builds leverage with visible troop deployments: Two Marine expeditionary units and an additional rapid response force (the 82nd Airborne) poised as “boots on the ground” if no negotiation breakthrough occurs.
Negotiation sticking points include Iranian demands for reparations, U.S. withdrawal, and control over critical maritime infrastructure.

Quote:

“President Trump said, hey, the clock’s ticking. You got five days. After that, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
— Stephen K. Bannon ([10:44])

4. Domestic Security and the 2026 Election

Segments: [22:49], [24:37], [26:22]

ICE at Airports and Polling Places

The administration faces criticism over high-profile deployment of ICE at airports and plans for an aggressive “mass deportation coalition.”
Bannon champions tough enforcement:
- “Everyone from every country, every race, every religion, every ethnicity – you have to go. If you’re not an American citizen, you’re here illegally, you have to go.” ([24:50])
Democrats and liberal media are characterized as framing these moves as intimidation ahead of the 2026 midterms, with Bannon countering that it’s about voter integrity and law enforcement.

Quote:

“We demand they be all gone. You’ve got a mass deportation coalition to make sure they’re all gone.”
— Stephen K. Bannon ([24:37])

5. Social Media on Trial: Monumental Verdict

Segment: [18:03]–[20:39]

Los Angeles jury finds Meta and Google negligent in a landmark social media addiction case, with design choices (not content) blamed for youth mental health crises.
Analyst predicts this could trigger a wave of lawsuits, new warnings, and reshaping of the social internet — possibly even a “big national renegotiation” of what childhood and free speech look like in America.

Quote:

“It is the design choices... That is an existential risk for these companies... The end of social media as we know it, Katie, this is the end of childhood as we have accepted it, at least here in the United States.”
— News Analyst ([18:25])

6. CPAC Action and Grassroots Focus

Segments: [45:44]–[51:46]

CPAC Themes and Grassroots Energy

Theme for CPAC: “Actions over words.” Focus on “getting stuff done” rather than empty promises.
Multiple resolutions passed, with the loudest applause for “stopping Sharia law” and “voting on the SAVE Act.”
Panel discusses Texas as a model for state-led freedom and resistance to federal overreach.

Quote:

“Aren’t you tired of people that promise and talk and talk and talk and don’t deliver? So at this conference, we’re going to focus on those people getting stuff done.”
— Matt Schlapp ([45:49])

7. Breaking News: Legal Accountability

Segments: [48:55]–[51:14]

John Solomon drops two significant breaking stories live:
1. Letitia James (NY AG) faces two federal criminal referrals for insurance fraud—one each in Florida and Illinois.
2. John Brennan: Congress transmits past testimony to grand jury for possible indictment for lying to Congress about the Steele dossier; indictments may follow within a month.

Quotes:

“Federal Housing Finance Administration made two criminal referrals against Letitia James... I think the one in Florida probably sticks.”
— John Solomon ([48:58])

“The grand jury needs to make a decision whether they’re going to charge [Brennan] for lying to Congress… I think you’ll see indictments in the next month.”
— John Solomon ([50:33])

8. Reflections on Violence, Justice, and Free Speech

Segments: [40:10]–[43:43]

Maureen and Steve Bannon discuss the lack of justice for conservatives assaulted by Antifa, recent high-profile violence against conservative leaders, and the need to maintain free speech and open conversation.
Maureen urges removal of the Hell’s Angels from the domestic terror list, testifies to their support and protection at conservative events.

Quotes:

“They would love to see my dad in prison for the rest of his life because he is a conservative and speaks the truth and uses his voice to spread the message.”
— Maureen Bannon ([41:41])

“Jack and Charlie said once the conversation ends, violence begins. So we can’t let the left silence us.”
— Maureen Bannon ([43:27])

Notable Timestamps and Quotes

On U.S. military progress/operations:
- “Day by day. The Iranian regime is being crippled…” — Caroline Levitt ([00:43])
On CPAC’s resolve:
- “Actions over words... focus on those people... who are getting stuff done.” — Matt Schlapp ([45:49])
On breaking legal news:
- “Letitia James referred for insurance fraud in Florida.” — John Solomon ([49:33])
- “Indictments in the next month of John Brennan.” — John Solomon ([51:14])
On America’s electoral security:
- “We demand they all be gone... You have to go.” – Stephen K. Bannon ([24:37])
On social media accountability:
- “The end of social media as we know it, Katie, this is the end of childhood as we have accepted it.” — News Analyst ([18:25])

Closing Notes

This episode was marked by a blend of live war and political updates, a sense of urgency regarding U.S.–Iran military and diplomatic maneuvering, strong advocacy for hardline immigration enforcement, the celebration of CPAC’s grassroots power, impassioned calls for legal accountability of Democratic figures, and the promise of further commentary during a news-packed CPAC weekend.

Next Up:

Just the News with John Solomon
War Room Battleground at 6pm (Ben Harnwell hosting) ([51:37])

Podcast Summary: Bannon’s War Room – Episode 5246: Live Pre-Game From CPAC

Date: March 25, 2026
Host: Stephen K. Bannon (WarRoom.org)
Location: Live from CPAC, Dallas

Episode Overview

1. The State of the U.S.-Iran War

Discussion begins: [00:00]

Military Developments and Mission Timelines

Caroline Levitt (Trump Press Secretary) underscores that Operation Epic Fury is progressing ahead of schedule, noting that “the greatest military the world has ever known is ahead of schedule and performing exceptionally.” ([00:43], [05:14])
Additional U.S. deployments: 3,000 new troops to the Middle East, adding to Marines and sailors already in the region. ([00:00], [03:31], [04:46])
Military objectives: Weakening Iran’s military and proxies, undermining nuclear ambitions, and seeking to force Iran to the negotiating table through pressure and credible threat.

Quote:

“The Iranian regime is being crippled… their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened.”
— Caroline Levitt ([00:43])

Diplomatic Dynamics

After a major U.S. threat and show of force, Iran signals openness to talks, leading President Trump to temporarily postpone strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
Reports of upcoming diplomatic meetings (possibly in Pakistan), but uncertainty persists regarding the seriousness and participants in negotiations.
Analysts note the lack of clarity on negotiation “contours” and express skepticism about Iran’s willingness to meet U.S. demands, especially regarding recognition of Israel’s right to exist and cessation of support for proxies. ([04:26]–[07:42])

Quote:

“At the end of the day, what we’re seeing is now diplomatic activity and that’s a good thing… but there has to be a bit of a strategy to this as well.”
— Political Analyst ([04:27])

2. International and Regional Impact

Segments: [01:57], [06:19], [35:08]

Regional Voices on Sovereignty and War

Middle East expert/official emphasizes Iran’s regional resilience and insists that coexistence is necessary despite recent hostilities, highlighting the human and economic cost of war. ([01:57])

Quote:

“Iran has been here for millennia... No one people or country will disappear by the wish of any political actor... We will have to find a way past this.”
— Middle East Official ([01:57])

The Israel-Lebanon Front

Continuous Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, supported (to an undisclosed extent) by the U.S. ([05:40])
Civilian impact: Over a million displaced in Lebanon, with concerns raised about Christian and other minority communities in southern Lebanon caught in the crossfire. ([35:46])

Quote:

“So many times when these Middle Eastern wars take place, it’s the Christian communities that get completely washed over, and there’s nobody there to speak for them.”
— (Jack/Steve exchange) ([35:46])

3. Markets, Negotiation Tactics, and U.S. Leverage

Segments: [10:44], [11:48], [33:06]

President Trump’s five-day ceasefire offer aligns with global market cycles, putting additional pressure on Iran and international actors for a diplomatic resolution.
U.S. builds leverage with visible troop deployments: Two Marine expeditionary units and an additional rapid response force (the 82nd Airborne) poised as “boots on the ground” if no negotiation breakthrough occurs.
Negotiation sticking points include Iranian demands for reparations, U.S. withdrawal, and control over critical maritime infrastructure.

Quote:

“President Trump said, hey, the clock’s ticking. You got five days. After that, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
— Stephen K. Bannon ([10:44])

4. Domestic Security and the 2026 Election

Segments: [22:49], [24:37], [26:22]

ICE at Airports and Polling Places

The administration faces criticism over high-profile deployment of ICE at airports and plans for an aggressive “mass deportation coalition.”
Bannon champions tough enforcement:
- “Everyone from every country, every race, every religion, every ethnicity – you have to go. If you’re not an American citizen, you’re here illegally, you have to go.” ([24:50])
Democrats and liberal media are characterized as framing these moves as intimidation ahead of the 2026 midterms, with Bannon countering that it’s about voter integrity and law enforcement.

Quote:

“We demand they be all gone. You’ve got a mass deportation coalition to make sure they’re all gone.”
— Stephen K. Bannon ([24:37])

5. Social Media on Trial: Monumental Verdict

Segment: [18:03]–[20:39]

Los Angeles jury finds Meta and Google negligent in a landmark social media addiction case, with design choices (not content) blamed for youth mental health crises.
Analyst predicts this could trigger a wave of lawsuits, new warnings, and reshaping of the social internet — possibly even a “big national renegotiation” of what childhood and free speech look like in America.

Quote:

“It is the design choices... That is an existential risk for these companies... The end of social media as we know it, Katie, this is the end of childhood as we have accepted it, at least here in the United States.”
— News Analyst ([18:25])

6. CPAC Action and Grassroots Focus

Segments: [45:44]–[51:46]

CPAC Themes and Grassroots Energy

Theme for CPAC: “Actions over words.” Focus on “getting stuff done” rather than empty promises.
Multiple resolutions passed, with the loudest applause for “stopping Sharia law” and “voting on the SAVE Act.”
Panel discusses Texas as a model for state-led freedom and resistance to federal overreach.

Quote:

“Aren’t you tired of people that promise and talk and talk and talk and don’t deliver? So at this conference, we’re going to focus on those people getting stuff done.”
— Matt Schlapp ([45:49])

7. Breaking News: Legal Accountability

Segments: [48:55]–[51:14]

John Solomon drops two significant breaking stories live:
1. Letitia James (NY AG) faces two federal criminal referrals for insurance fraud—one each in Florida and Illinois.
2. John Brennan: Congress transmits past testimony to grand jury for possible indictment for lying to Congress about the Steele dossier; indictments may follow within a month.

Quotes:

“Federal Housing Finance Administration made two criminal referrals against Letitia James... I think the one in Florida probably sticks.”
— John Solomon ([48:58])

“The grand jury needs to make a decision whether they’re going to charge [Brennan] for lying to Congress… I think you’ll see indictments in the next month.”
— John Solomon ([50:33])

8. Reflections on Violence, Justice, and Free Speech

Segments: [40:10]–[43:43]

Maureen and Steve Bannon discuss the lack of justice for conservatives assaulted by Antifa, recent high-profile violence against conservative leaders, and the need to maintain free speech and open conversation.
Maureen urges removal of the Hell’s Angels from the domestic terror list, testifies to their support and protection at conservative events.

Quotes:

“They would love to see my dad in prison for the rest of his life because he is a conservative and speaks the truth and uses his voice to spread the message.”
— Maureen Bannon ([41:41])

“Jack and Charlie said once the conversation ends, violence begins. So we can’t let the left silence us.”
— Maureen Bannon ([43:27])

Notable Timestamps and Quotes

On U.S. military progress/operations:
- “Day by day. The Iranian regime is being crippled…” — Caroline Levitt ([00:43])
On CPAC’s resolve:
- “Actions over words... focus on those people... who are getting stuff done.” — Matt Schlapp ([45:49])
On breaking legal news:
- “Letitia James referred for insurance fraud in Florida.” — John Solomon ([49:33])
- “Indictments in the next month of John Brennan.” — John Solomon ([51:14])
On America’s electoral security:
- “We demand they all be gone... You have to go.” – Stephen K. Bannon ([24:37])
On social media accountability:
- “The end of social media as we know it, Katie, this is the end of childhood as we have accepted it.” — News Analyst ([18:25])

Closing Notes

Next Up:

Just the News with John Solomon
War Room Battleground at 6pm (Ben Harnwell hosting) ([51:37])