WarRoom Battleground EP 674: Trump's Energy Policies Vs. Failing Bidenomics
Host: Steve Bannon, WarRoom.org
Release Date: December 18, 2024

In this riveting episode of WarRoom Battleground, host Steve Bannon delves deep into the tumultuous interplay between former President Donald Trump's energy policies and the current administration's economic strategies, commonly referred to as "Bidenomics." The discussion navigates through internal Republican dynamics, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and the broader implications of energy policies on global and domestic fronts.

1. Trump's Influence on Republican Members

[00:00 - 04:28]

Steve Bannon opens the episode by interrogating the extent of Donald Trump's influence over Republican members. He questions whether Trump can compel these members to act according to his directives or if there's a limit to their loyalty.

Steve Bannon [00:07]:
"How far can he push them to say, you're going to do what I say?"

Dave Walsh echoes these sentiments, suggesting that while Trump may exert significant pressure, the prevailing system still maintains certain "guardrails" that limit unilateral actions against key figures like Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, or RFK Jr.

Dave Walsh [00:19]:
"Regardless of Biden's push, these guys aren't up for the job. You can get somebody else."

Bannon emphasizes the resilience of Trump, noting that his strength lies in his non-conformist approach, which contrasts sharply with the attempts by establishment figures to moderate his stance.

Steve Bannon [00:22]:
"Trump's at his best when he's not conforming, when he's breaking things and then sitting there as the builder he is and figures out how to reconfigure them and put them back together."

2. The Ukraine Conflict and US Involvement

[04:28 - 31:17]

Transitioning to international affairs, Bannon introduces Ben Harnwell from Rome to discuss the U.S.'s role in the Ukraine war. Bannon critiques the Biden administration's policies, arguing that they have transformed the conflict into a disastrous quagmire for both the U.S. and Ukraine.

Steve Bannon [03:19]:
"What's upsets me so much with the Ukraine, Ben, is how the Biden regime is now demanding that senior Ukrainian officials draft 18-year-olds to send to the battlefield."

Ben Harnwell elaborates on this, labeling the Biden administration as "sociopathic overlords" for pressuring Ukraine into heightened militarization despite Russia gaining ground.

Ben Harnwell [04:28]:
"The Biden regime doesn't want the collapse to happen under its watch. It is sociopathic. The absolute disregard of any value of human life on the Ukraine side and on the Russian side."

Harnwell outlines three main proposals regarding the Ukraine situation:

1. Kellogg Plan: Increased U.S. weapon supplies contingent on diplomatic talks. Harnwell criticizes this as an open-ended commitment to the military-industrial complex.

   Ben Harnwell [06:31]:
   "The Kellogg plan accelerates weapon supplies to Kiev only if Moscow doesn't agree to talks. It's basically an open check to the military-industrial complex."

2. Rick Grinnell's Plan: Establishment of autonomous zones in the Donbas region, which Harnwell dismisses for its lack of decoupling from U.S. involvement.

3. Senator Vance's Plan: Creation of a demilitarized zone to serve as a buffer between Russia and Ukraine, which Harnwell views as the least risky for the U.S.

Harnwell also highlights a Foreign Policy magazine article revealing that European nations are providing covert security guarantees to Ukraine, effectively extending NATO obligations without formal commitments.

Steve Bannon [11:18]:
"If we're sending them money in arms so they get all the best of NATO without any of the commitments in NATO, except we have 100% of the commitments. That's not acceptable."

Bannon fervently opposes any form of security guarantee, equating it to the entanglements that the U.S. experienced during the Vietnam War.

Steve Bannon [12:53]:
"If you do a security guarantee, you're just sucking yourself into a quagmire. You might as well be in Vietnam with President Diem. This is outrageous."

3. Budget Implications and National Debt

[12:53 - 31:17]

Bannon shifts focus to the financial ramifications of continued U.S. support for Ukraine. He predicts escalating budget conflicts, emphasizing the unsustainable nature of current spending.

Steve Bannon [15:39]:
"These budget fights are going to get more and more horrendous. In Ukraine, we will end up having sent $250 billion. And there's more."

He highlights the unethical seizure of Russian assets, noting that the U.S. has confiscated funds without due process, setting a dangerous precedent that could affect Americans in the future.

Ben Harnwell [22:07]:
"The confiscation of these assets is appalling because it's not being done with any due process whatsoever."

Bannon warns of impending budgetary crises, advising the audience to adopt strategies like diversifying savings through precious metals to safeguard against economic instability.

Steve Bannon [31:17]:
"You can't keep putting money in this now. You can't really get sucked in even more. It's outrageous."

4. Energy Policies vs. Bidenomics: A Global Perspective

[34:45 - 49:57]

In a critical analysis of global energy policies, Dave Walsh and Bannon discuss the detrimental effects of net-zero carbon initiatives spearheaded by Western governments. They argue that these radical energy policies have led to economic downturns and political instability in countries like Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Dave Walsh [34:45]:
"Energy is at the core of the complaints about the budget. These governments are falling, and the underpinning predicate is the radicalness of their energy policies."

Key points include:

• Government Instability: Resignations and calls for elections in Canada and Germany due to failed energy strategies.

  Dave Walsh [39:00]:
  "Germany shut down nuclear plants and relies on expensive LNG imports, leading to economic collapse and political instability."

• Economic Consequences: Rising energy costs leading to inflation and cost-of-living crises, with citizens facing hardships like cold winters without adequate subsidies.

  Dave Walsh [39:54]:
  "Energy policies are causing shortages and soaring costs, violating the benefits promised by utility monopolies."

• U.S. Energy Crisis: The U.S. is grappling with high energy costs and unreliable power grids, exacerbated by Biden's subsidies to renewable energy sectors, which Walsh argues are inefficient and costly.

  Dave Walsh [44:02]:
  "We need to eliminate incentives for wind, solar, and battery storage, which are far more expensive than natural gas-fired electricity."

Bannon concurs, advocating for a comprehensive energy reboot aligned with Trump's policies, which prioritize deregulation and the restoration of traditional energy sources to ensure cheap, reliable power essential for a thriving industrial economy.

Steve Bannon [43:18]:
"The energy reboot aligns with Trump's tax plan, tariff plan, and deportation plan to support the working and middle class."

5. Conclusion: The Future of Western Governments and Energy Policies

[49:34 - 52:14]

In his closing remarks, Ben Harnwell underscores the erosion of cultural values and the media's control over public perception as pivotal factors leading to the downfall of Western governments. He criticizes the allocation of funds towards Ukraine at the expense of domestic needs, highlighting the suffering of vulnerable populations.

Ben Harnwell [46:58]:
"They have plenty of money for Ukraine, nothing for old ladies. Stop electing people who have contempt for you and hate you."

Bannon reinforces the urgency of addressing these issues, emphasizing the importance of aligning American policies with the interests of the working and middle classes to restore economic stability and national integrity.

Steve Bannon [51:48]:
"The people in Davos, Brussels, and European capitals are getting turfed out. Let their voters face the consequences."

Key Takeaways

• Trump's Enduring Influence: Despite establishment resistance, Trump remains a pivotal force within the Republican Party, leveraging his non-conformist strategies to maintain support.

• Ukraine War Critique: The Biden administration's involvement in Ukraine is portrayed as mismanaged, leading to unnecessary casualties and financial strain without achieving strategic objectives.

• Budget and Debt Concerns: Significant financial commitments to Ukraine are deemed unsustainable, with potential long-term repercussions for national debt and economic stability.

• Energy Policy Failures: Radical energy policies focused on renewable sources are linked to economic decline and political instability in Western nations, advocating for a return to traditional, reliable energy sources as championed by Trump.

• Call to Action: The episode urges listeners to support policies that prioritize economic stability and energy independence, advocating for strategic disengagement from prolonged foreign conflicts and a reorientation towards domestic prosperity.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Bannon [00:07]:
  "How far can he push them to say, you're going to do what I say?"

• Ben Harnwell [04:28]:
  "The Biden regime doesn't want the collapse to happen under its watch. It is sociopathic."

• Steve Bannon [12:53]:
  "If you do a security guarantee, you're just sucking yourself into a quagmire. That's outrageous."

• Dave Walsh [34:45]:
  "Energy is at the core of the complaints about the budget. These governments are falling."

• Ben Harnwell [46:58]:
  "Stop electing people who have contempt for you and hate you."

This episode serves as a clarion call to listeners, urging a reassessment of current policies and advocating for a strategic pivot towards energy independence and fiscal responsibility to safeguard America's future.