WarRoom Battleground EP 652: Taking On The Full Apparatus

Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Organization: WarRoom.org
Date: November 13, 2024

1. Introduction: The Battle Against Authoritarianism (00:08 - 00:43)

Steve Bannon opens the episode by addressing the ongoing struggle against what he perceives as authoritarian forces undermining American democracy. He highlights recent events in states like Arizona and Georgia as battlegrounds where these efforts are evident. Bannon emphasizes the necessity for active engagement from the audience to counteract misinformation and authoritarianism.

Notable Quote:

Steve Bannon [00:08]: "If you continue to look the other way and shut up, then the oppressors, the authoritarians, get total control and total power."

2. Critique of the Department of Justice’s Independence (00:43 - 05:27)

Andrew Weissmann, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) official appointed by Donald Trump, discusses the implications of recent DOJ appointments on the institution's independence. He argues that these appointments undermine the foundational rule of law in the United States, bringing the DOJ closer to authoritarianism and eroding its role as a check on presidential power.

Notable Quote:

Andrew Weissmann [00:43]: "This is a blow to any check that they could pose to the president and an undermining of the rule of law in this country that is so fundamental..."

3. Scrutiny of Matt Gaetz’s Nomination (03:00 - 05:27)

An unnamed analyst delves into the contentious nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. The analyst questions the rationale behind Gaetz’s appointment, citing his support for presidential candidates with legal indictments and his partisan nature. Concerns are raised about Gaetz’s qualifications and his potential to uphold nonpartisan law enforcement standards.

Notable Quote:

Unnamed Analyst [03:08]: "There's no rationale for being for Donald Trump for commander in chief and not whatever ridiculous alignment of characters he chooses to be around him and his cabinet."

4. Bannon’s Assault on DOJ Officials (05:27 - 32:19)

Steve Bannon intensifies his criticism of Andrew Weissmann and other DOJ officials, branding them as corrupt individuals who have weaponized government institutions against citizens and political figures. Bannon threatens legal action and imprisonment, asserting that transparency will expose their alleged misdeeds.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Bannon [05:27]: "Your biggest enemy is transparency... All the weaponization of this government against citizens..."

Steve Bannon [00:43]: "Lisa Monaco is a crook, a known crook. You're a crook, Weissman."

5. Assessing Matt Gaetz’s Suitability as Attorney General (31:12 - 32:44)

The discussion returns to Matt Gaetz’s potential role as Attorney General. An unnamed analyst critiques Gaetz’s overt partisanship, arguing that it contradicts the nonpartisan responsibilities of the nation’s top law enforcement officer. The analyst highlights Gaetz’s role in partisan efforts to undermine established GOP leadership and his controversial reputation.

Notable Quote:

Unnamed Analyst [31:12]: "Matt Gaetz is a self-avowed and admitted partisan warrior. That's the opposite of the nonpartisan credential sought for the nation's top law enforcement officer."

6. Plans to Reclaim DOJ and FBI (32:19 - 39:50)

Steve Bannon outlines a strategy to overhaul the DOJ and FBI, aiming to dismantle what he refers to as the "administrative state." He vows to restore these institutions to align with his vision of governance, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Bannon underscores the importance of appointing loyalists who will support Trump’s agenda.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Bannon [32:19]: "We are going to go after this administrative state and we're going to start at the Department of Justice and the FBI."

Steve Bannon [34:16]: "Matt Gaetz is going to be the Attorney General of the United States."

7. Natalie Winters on Matt Gaetz and Democratic Backsliding (34:16 - 48:37)

Natalie Winters joins the discussion to support Matt Gaetz’s nomination, portraying him as a steadfast MAGA warrior capable of challenging entrenched deep-state actors. She references Norm Eisen’s reports on American autocracy and color revolution tactics, suggesting these strategies are being employed domestically to undermine Trump’s administration.

Notable Quotes:

Natalie Winters [34:16]: "Matt Gaetz is such a wonderful, wonderful selection... he emerged most fiercely as a MAGA warrior throughout the first impeachment."

Natalie Winters [42:00]: "This is the Color Revolution playbook that they have practiced abroad... they're now using them at home, particularly in the form of lawfare."

8. Exposing Color Revolution Tactics and Democratic Decay (39:50 - 48:37)

The conversation delves deeper into Norm Eisen’s "American Autocracy Threat Tracker," which outlines strategies akin to color revolutions aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions in the U.S. The hosts discuss the use of civil society as a facade for orchestrating regime change and the push for international observers in future elections to enforce democratic standards.

Notable Quotes:

Natalie Winters [42:00]: "They are now using them at home, particularly in the form of lawfare."

Natalie Winters [48:37]: "They admitted something that this show has been saying for years, that they are now using those tactics that they've practiced overseas and turning the guns inward."

9. Conclusion: Rallying for Transparency and Accountability (48:37 - 53:48)

Steve Bannon concludes the episode by reiterating the mission to fight against what he terms the "deep state." He announces upcoming guests and future plans to continue exposing and dismantling perceived corrupt institutions. Bannon emphasizes the importance of a strong, transparent government aligned with Trump’s directives to ensure accountability and uphold democratic values.

Notable Quote:

Steve Bannon [52:24]: "Your first shipment... you need a strong heart. You need a lion's heart."

Overall Insights and Themes

• Anti-Establishment Rhetoric: The episode heavily emphasizes opposition to perceived corrupt elements within the DOJ, FBI, and broader government institutions.

• Support for Matt Gaetz: Gaetz’s nomination is portrayed as a pivotal move to reclaim and purify the DOJ, aligning it with Trump’s agenda.

• Transparency and Accountability: A recurring theme is the call for complete transparency to expose and rectify alleged governmental abuses and corruption.

• Color Revolution Concerns: The hosts express alarm over tactics associated with color revolutions being employed domestically to destabilize democratic institutions.

• Resilience and Engagement: The narrative encourages listeners to remain resilient and actively engage in the political battle to support Trump and counteract authoritarian influences.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and viewpoints presented in "WarRoom Battleground EP 652: Taking On The Full Apparatus," providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.