Summary of WarRoom Battleground EP 685: "Deep State Gearing Up; The Process Of The Incoming Trump Administration"

Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 685 of Bannon's War Room, host Stephen K. Bannon and his panel delve deep into the imminent challenges facing the incoming Trump administration. The discussion centers around the anticipated resistance from the deep state, the strategic processes behind cabinet confirmations, and the broader implications for national and international politics.

1. The Deep State and Resistance to Trump's Agenda

Timestamp: [00:03 - 05:27]

The episode opens with Steve Bannon expressing frustration with the media and entrenched bureaucratic opposition. He characterizes the current situation as a "primal scream of a dying regime," emphasizing the severity of the impending battles against established institutions.

Key Highlights:

• Poll Insights: Rob Bluey introduces a concerning poll from the Daily Signal, revealing that 50% of federal employees anticipate resisting President Trump's directives.

  Notable Quote:
  Rob Bluey (03:32): "We guys have a poll up that says, I think it's 50% of the administrative state. 50% say that they're going to basically form a resistance to President Trump."

• Historical Context: David Drucker provides historical context, comparing the current resistance to past administrations. He notes that unlike previous leaders who enjoyed more neutral or supportive stances from federal employees, Trump faces unprecedented opposition.

  Notable Quote:
  David Drucker (04:34): "Nearly half of federal government managers are planning to do exactly what they did during the first term, and that is resist Trump at every turn."

• Implications for Policy Implementation: The panel discusses how this resistance could hinder the swift execution of Trump's policy agenda, especially in critical areas like border security and economic reforms.

2. Cabinet Confirmations and Executive Orders

Timestamp: [05:27 - 17:04]

The conversation shifts to the logistical and political hurdles involved in solidifying Trump's administration. Bannon outlines the ambitious plan for 25 to 50 executive orders on Trump's first day, targeting key issues such as the national debt, immigration, and border security.

Key Highlights:

• Urgency in Confirmations: Rob Bluey emphasizes the need for rapid confirmation of cabinet members to ensure that executive orders are effectively implemented.

  Notable Quote:
  Rob Bluey (07:06): "Unless we force these committees to vote later in the week or over the weekend, it can't go to the floor."

• Senate Dynamics: David Drucker discusses the crucial role of the Republican senators in expediting the confirmation process, contrasting it with the Democratic approach during the Biden administration.

  Notable Quote:
  David Drucker (04:34): "Donald Trump needs to have the team that he has nominated so he can do that."

• Potential Delays: The panel warns of possible delays due to procedural hurdles and Democratic resistance, which could impede the timely implementation of Trump's strategic initiatives.

3. California’s Political and Administrative Challenges

Timestamp: [10:13 - 21:45]

Ben Harnwell provides an in-depth analysis of California's political landscape, highlighting the dominance of the environmental lobby and its impact on infrastructure and water management policies.

Key Highlights:

• Environmental Industrial Complex: Harnwell critiques the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a tool that has been weaponized to block critical infrastructural projects.

  Notable Quote:
  Ben Harnwell (12:51): "The most powerful political lobby in California is not the tech lobby. It's the environmental lobby, the environmental industrial complex."

• Water Infrastructure Crisis: He underscores the state's lack of adequate water storage despite significant rainfall, attributing the failure to diverted funds and bureaucratic inefficiencies.

  Notable Quote:
  Ben Harnwell (17:56): "We have the ability to have water free to the residents of the state... but there's so much money on the line."

• Long-Term Structural Issues: Harnwell argues that without dismantling these entrenched bureaucratic structures, California will continue to grapple with infrastructural deficits and inefficiencies.

4. International Affairs: The Ukraine War and Trump's Potential Role

Timestamp: [21:45 - 34:08]

The panel shifts focus to international relations, particularly the ongoing Ukraine war, and speculates on how Trump's administration might navigate this complex conflict.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Decisions: Dave Walsh analyzes potential strategies Trump might employ, such as pressuring Ukraine to lower the age of conscription, which could have profound moral and geopolitical implications.

  Notable Quote:
  Dave Walsh (25:30): "If he withdraws the United States, leaves Ukraine out to dry, that is a signaling, a massive perception of weakness."

• Influence of Thought Leaders: The discussion references opinions from prominent figures like Robert Kagan, who predict that Trump's handling of the Ukraine conflict could define his administration's legacy.

  Notable Quote:
  Steve Bannon (27:00): "They're trying to stick him with the problem they created."

• Potential Escalation vs. De-escalation: The panel debates whether Trump's approach will lead to escalation or a strategic withdrawal, drawing parallels to historical conflicts like Vietnam and Iraq.

5. Economic Policies and National Debt

Timestamp: [34:08 - 37:18]

Steve Bannon briefly addresses the pressing issue of the national debt and deficits, emphasizing the administration's commitment to economic reforms through diversification and deregulation.

Key Highlights:

• Economic Reforms: Bannon underscores the importance of shifting savings into tangible assets like gold to safeguard against economic instability.

  Notable Quote:
  Steve Bannon (27:00): "The strategy remains the same for you. You got to diversify, diversify your savings."

• Bond Market Concerns: The discussion touches upon the rising bond prices and their implications for Trump's economic policies, including tariffs and energy dominance.

Conclusion

Episode 685 of Bannon's War Room presents a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted challenges awaiting the incoming Trump administration. From institutional resistance within the federal bureaucracy to intricate political dynamics in states like California, the panel provides insightful analysis and strategic foresight. As cabinet confirmations loom and international tensions persist, the episode underscores the critical importance of swift and decisive action to ensure the successful implementation of Trump's agenda.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rob Bluey (03:32): "We guys have a poll up that says, I think it's 50% of the administrative state. 50% say that they're going to basically form a resistance to President Trump."

• David Drucker (04:34): "Nearly half of federal government managers are planning to do exactly what they did during the first term, and that is resist Trump at every turn."

• Steve Bannon (00:44): "President Trump will come at those for a couple things. Number one, be executive orders, right? There's going to be 100, probably, I don't know, 25 to 50 on day one of next Monday."

• Ben Harnwell (12:51): "The most powerful political lobby in California is not the tech lobby. It's the environmental lobby, the environmental industrial complex."

• Dave Walsh (25:30): "If he withdraws the United States, leaves Ukraine out to dry, that is a signaling, a massive perception of weakness."

• Steve Bannon (27:00): "They're trying to stick him with the problem they created."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.