WarRoom Battleground EP 711: Mainstream Implosion Over Bongino Appointment; The Overreach Of Lawfare Against American Citizens
Release Date: February 25, 2025
In Episode 711 of WarRoom Battleground, hosted by Stephen K. Bannon of WarRoom.org, the discussion centers around the controversial appointment of Dan Bongino as the Deputy Director of the FBI and the broader implications of lawfare against American citizens. This detailed summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.
1. Dan Bongino’s Appointment as Deputy Director of the FBI
Nicole Wallace initiates the conversation by highlighting President Donald Trump's selection of Dan Bongino, a podcaster and right-wing media personality, as the Deputy Director of the FBI. Notably, this position does not require Senate confirmation.
"[00:09] Nicole Wallace: Donald Trump has tapped a podcaster and right wing media personality who once said this, quote, my entire life right now is owning the libs. That person is named Dan Bongino. He will be the Deputy Director of the FBI..."
Dan Bongino himself provides insight into his views on Trump’s role and the current political climate.
"[00:42] Dan Bongino: Trump is an apex predator. He's the Lion King..."
Stephen K. Bannon concurs with Bongino’s perspective.
"[01:01] Stephen K. Bannon: And you shouldn't either."
Bongino continues to express strong opinions against the Justice Department's actions targeting Trump and his associates.
"[01:02] Dan Bongino: Jack Smith. I never pardon what happened yesterday with President Trump and the targeting of him and his attorneys..."
2. Concerns Over Bongino’s Qualifications and FBI Leadership
Nicole Wallace emphasizes the gravity of the Deputy Director role and questions Bongino’s suitability, referencing concerns from the FBI Agents Association.
"[01:59] Nicole Wallace: The job of Deputy Director of the FBI of the United States of America is a serious job that affects every person living here..."
She cites the Washington Post, stating that the FBI now has "the least experienced leadership pair in the Bureau's history."
"[04:43] Nicole Wallace: Donald Trump's choice of a pro Trump podcaster to be the number two at the FBI is where we start today..."
3. Impact on Domestic Violent Extremism Investigations
A Guest Speaker delves into the potential shift in focus within the FBI’s domestic violent extremism efforts, particularly concerning white supremacist groups.
"[04:43] Guest Speaker: Well, I think we are seeing that with respect to the January 6th investigations and the January 6th defendants as just one microcosm..."
He argues that threats aligned with Trump may receive less attention, contrasting with the aggressive investigation of certain groups.
4. Legal System Overreach and Lawfare Against Conservatives
Neil Pinkston, a lawyer, discusses the broader implications of Bongino’s appointment and the lawfare tactics allegedly targeting conservatives.
"[09:49] Neil Pinkston: Well, sir, first, thanks for having me, but I think the term disruptors is misleading to the public..."
Pinkston criticizes the politicization of prosecutions, emphasizing that prosecutorial duties should focus on justice rather than political victories.
Case Studies: Tyler Burleson and Jeremy Brown
Pinkston provides detailed accounts of specific cases to illustrate his points:
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Tyler Burleson: Charged with passing worthless checks amidst efforts to aid Appalachia post-hurricane.
"[12:10] Neil Pinkston: He's been charged with some passing worthless check cases..."
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Jeremy Brown: A J6 defendant whose pardon's application is being contested, leading to his continued detention.
"[15:29] Guest Speaker: ...you olan wTF?"
"[17:35] Neil Pinkston: It's not as confusing or complex as possible..."
Pinkston advocates for support and legal intervention to address what he perceives as wrongful prosecutions.
5. Weaponization of the Legal System
The episode further explores how the legal system is being used to target and suppress conservative figures and activists.
Ben Berkwam shares personal anecdotes and observations about the treatment of J6 participants and the shifting focus of the FBI.
"[42:34] Ben Berkwam: Well, look, tie it all together. So first off, first off the stories that we're getting from these J6ers are just horrific..."
He highlights the diversion of FBI resources from other critical investigations to focus on January 6th, suggesting a deliberate strategy to silence dissent.
6. Economic Concerns and Federal Budget Critique
Stephen K. Bannon shifts the discussion to economic issues, warning of an impending depression by 2030 due to strains on Social Security, Medicare, a shrinking workforce, and national debt.
"[27:14] Stephen K. Bannon: Have you seen the news from economists forecasting a depression? I'm not talking recession..."
He critiques current economic policies, particularly the supply-side tax cuts, arguing they disproportionately benefit the lower-income brackets and fail to address systemic issues.
7. The Gulf of America Initiative
Kevin Posobiec introduces the “Gulf of America” concept, detailing its origins and political significance.
"[49:48] Kevin Posobiec: Hey, Steve, thanks for having me on. I got my America shirt on right here..."
He narrates how the idea gained traction, leading to its adoption by President Trump and its institutionalization as “Gulf of America Day.”
8. Calls to Action and Community Support
Throughout the episode, speakers urge listeners to support various legal and political causes, emphasizing community organization and advocacy.
Neil Pinkston encourages support for Jeremy Brown’s legal battle, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing perceived injustices.
"[21:58] Neil Pinkston: You can find it on X who is Jeremy Brown? Or just search Jeremy Brown's name..."
Similarly, Ben Berkwam emphasizes the psychological and systemic challenges faced by J6 participants, advocating for broader legal reforms.
9. Conclusion
The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the need to defend civil liberties and address systemic biases within federal institutions. Stephen K. Bannon underscores the ongoing fight to restore what he perceives as the foundational principles of the nation.
"[54:18] Neil Pinkston: Curdhuman really trying to fill this gap of quality supplements..."
The overarching theme revolves around skepticism of current federal appointments and investigations, advocating for a return to what the speakers consider just and unbiased law enforcement.
Notable Quotes:
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Dan Bongino on Trump’s leadership:
"[00:42] Dan Bongino: Trump is an apex predator. He's the Lion King."
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Nicole Wallace on the seriousness of the Deputy Director role:
"[01:59] Nicole Wallace: The job of Deputy Director of the FBI is a serious job that affects every person living here..."
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Guest Speaker on January 6th investigations:
"[04:43] Guest Speaker: ...nothing is going to happen to domestic terrorists who are aligned with and support the policies of the Trump administration."
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Neil Pinkston on prosecutorial duty:
"[09:49] Neil Pinkston: ...they understand that the prosecutor's duty's role is to seek justice, not to seek victories through political ends."
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Ben Berkwam on the weaponization of legal systems:
"[42:53] Ben Berkwam: ... this system as a whole has been completely corrupted. Where you don't have equal protection under the law..."
This episode of WarRoom Battleground underscores the hosts' and guests' concerns about political appointments within federal agencies, the potential misuse of legal systems to target conservatives, and broader economic challenges facing the nation. Through detailed discussions and personal anecdotes, the episode seeks to inform and mobilize its audience around these critical issues.
