Podcast Summary: Bannon's War Room - Battleground EP 702: Asleep At The Wheel While The Country Is Overrun

Release Date: February 7, 2025
Host: Stephen K. Bannon, WarRoom.org

1. Introduction to the Crisis in USAID and Federal Budget Management

Steve Bannon opens the episode by questioning Andrea about public misunderstandings concerning the nonpartisan mission of USAID. Mark Green, a former USAID administrator, addresses the influence of political leadership on federal agencies, emphasizing that USAID's direction is often swayed by the White House's foreign policy priorities regardless of party control.

"[…] When the Democrats take, they move it left of center. And the career people didn't resist when I was there. I probably am the most conservative administrator in the history of the agency."
— Mark Green [01:01]

Green defends USAID's management, highlighting its high ranking as the third-best managed federal agency and countering accusations of corruption by labeling them as "a lot of garbage."

2. Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility

The discussion shifts towards the broader issue of federal spending and accountability. Mark Green emphasizes that all aid dollars are meticulously earmarked and controlled by the State Department and Congress, debunking claims of mismanagement.

"The notion that the agency are criminals and all that, that's a lot of garbage. It's a lie. It's an insult."
— Mark Green [02:58]

Steve Bannon and Unknown Conservative Commentator critique the current administration's handling of federal aid and budget allocations, advocating for stringent fiscal measures to curb waste and redirect resources effectively.

3. Defense Spending and Budget Cuts

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the necessity of cutting defense spending to address the national deficit. Mark Green and Bannon argue that without starting cuts in the Defense Department, any attempts to reduce federal spending are futile.

"Let's have an adult conversation. We cannot continue to spend. We cannot continue to look away. We cannot keep kicking the can down the road."
— Steve Bannon [27:08]

They discuss proposed budget cuts, emphasizing the importance of addressing military expenditures before targeting social programs. The dialogue underscores the belief that defense spending is rife with duplication and corruption, necessitating immediate reforms.

4. Immigration Enforcement and Securing the Border

The episode delves into the challenges of immigration enforcement, particularly concerning the rise of criminal activities tied to sanctuary cities and illegal immigration.

Ben Berkwam, an ICE operative, outlines the difficulties faced in apprehending and deporting individuals involved in criminal activities, citing legal obstacles and the protective stance of local jurisdictions.

"Every single person that we've caught that I've been a part of these operations… and so these guys are picking them up. One of the biggest problems is even if you pick them up, you know that the guys you saw yesterday that we got, they aren't immediately sent out of the country."
— Ben Berkwam [33:53]

Katherine O'Neill adds that improving intelligence, strategy, and infrastructure is crucial for effective immigration control, advocating for increased detention capacity and better data access to track and manage deportations.

5. National Security and the Fight Against Cartels

A critical segment focuses on the escalating threat posed by Mexican drug cartels and the potential for military escalation to combat them.

Katherine O'Neill reveals that the U.S. and Mexican militaries are preparing to take more aggressive actions against cartels, including kinetic operations targeting narcotics depots and fentanyl labs. She anticipates significant confrontations as cartels, heavily armed and deeply embedded, resist these measures.

"I anticipate some fireworks. That's just that these cartels are money hungry, they're brazen, they're incredibly well armed from, you know, making billions and Billions of dollars on the human smuggling for four years."
— Katherine O'Neill [41:54]

Ben Berkwam warns of the widespread impact such military actions will have, predicting violence not only in Mexico but also spilling over into the United States due to the cartels' extensive operations domestically.

"If they go kinetic in Mexico, it's going to be kinetic in the US as well. And there's going to be repercussions all over the place."
— Ben Berkwam [44:51]

6. Political Challenges and Legislative Hurdles

The conversation highlights the political resistance faced in implementing these stringent measures, with opposition from Democratic leaders and certain judicial figures hampering enforcement efforts.

"Every single one of these guys has US Operations as well. So this is going to be, not if they go kinetic in Mexico, it's going to be kinetic in the US as well."
— Ben Berkwam [44:51]

Katherine O'Neill suggests leveraging federal jurisdiction to compel cooperation from local law enforcement and sanctuary cities, proposing that the Justice Department take more forceful action to facilitate deportations and dismantle cartel operations.

7. Call to Action and Future Strategies

Steve Bannon concludes by urging listeners to support these initiatives, emphasizing the need for decisive action to secure national borders and manage federal spending responsibly. He underscores the critical juncture the country faces, advocating for transparency and accountability across all government sectors.

"You either cut or you tax. I'm all for cuts, but we got to get serious."
— Steve Bannon [40:22]

Bannon also promotes upcoming events such as the Force Multiplier Academy and emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect the nation's interests.

Notable Quotes:

• "The notion that the agency are criminals and all that, that's a lot of garbage. It's a lie. It's an insult."
  — Mark Green [02:58]

• "Let's have an adult conversation. We cannot continue to spend. We cannot continue to look away. We cannot keep kicking the can down the road."
  — Steve Bannon [27:08]

• "I anticipate some fireworks. That's just that these cartels are money hungry, they're brazen, they're incredibly well armed."
  — Katherine O'Neill [41:54]

• "You either cut or you tax. I'm all for cuts, but we got to get serious."
  — Steve Bannon [40:22]

Conclusion

In this episode of Bannon's War Room, Stephen K. Bannon leads a robust discussion on the urgent need to reform federal agencies like USAID, manage the national budget by targeting defense spending, and strengthen immigration enforcement to combat the growing menace of drug cartels. The dialogue underscores the intersection of fiscal responsibility, national security, and political will, calling for decisive action to address the country's most pressing challenges.