WarRoom Battleground EP 719: DOGE Gets A Shorter Leash As Admin Reigns Them In Release Date: March 7, 2025

In this episode of Bannon's War Room, host Stephen K. Bannon delves into critical discussions surrounding U.S. economic policies, trade tariffs, political dynamics, gender issues in sports, the ongoing fallout from the January 6 events, and national security concerns related to Chinese infiltration. The episode features insightful conversations with key figures such as Scott Bessant, Will Upton, Trent Evans, and Forrest Cho, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the current political and economic landscape.

1. U.S. Economic Policy and Trade Tariffs

Speaker: Scott Bessant
Timestamp: [00:10] - [12:25]

Scott Bessant opens the discussion by emphasizing President Trump's inclination towards implementing tariffs as a strategic economic tool. He outlines the necessity of addressing not just tariffs but also non-tariff barriers that impede U.S. businesses. Bessant highlights issues such as local content laws, currency manipulation, and unfair subsidies that foreign nations impose on American products.

Bessant [00:10]: "Tariffs are going to go up. But if you want to sit back, have a discussion with the Commerce Department... here's what we think you were doing."

He underscores the importance of reinstating tariffs to protect American industries, citing examples like India imposing tariffs on U.S. motorcycles and the EU levying fines on American tech companies. Bessant anticipates further developments and policy announcements around early April, aiming to recalibrate U.S. trade relations to favor domestic production and economic stability.

2. Reactions at the Economic Club of New York

Speakers: Will Upton and Steve Bannon
Timestamp: [06:31] - [15:12]

Will Upton provides an analysis of Scott Bessant’s recent speech at the Economic Club of New York, a venue traditionally dominated by establishment economists and Wall Street professionals. Upton praises Bessant for effectively conveying the Trump administration's economic objectives, particularly in international trade and addressing adversaries like China and Iran.

Upton [06:31]: "He had to reassure everybody in the room, and I think he did a very good job... forcefully laid out what this administration's goal is in terms of the US Economy."

Steve Bannon adds context by discussing the historical significance of such economic clubs and the challenge of resonating with a predominantly Keynesian and liberal audience. He commends Bessant for bridging the gap between sophisticated economic strategy and relatable, middle-class concerns.

Bannon [07:42]: "He's a working class kid from Myrtle Beach... he's very MAGA and he can explain it."

The duo reflects on the positive reception Bessant received, noting a growing acceptance among mainstream economic circles of the need to prioritize American manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign imports.

3. Progressive Economic Policies and Impact on American Workers

Speakers: Will Upton and Steve Bannon
Timestamp: [10:08] - [16:57]

The conversation shifts to critique progressive economic policies, with Upton arguing that the focus on affordability has compromised the stability and quality of life for American workers. He discusses the erosion of long-term careers due to frequent mergers, acquisitions, and the rise of temporary jobs, which hinder individuals' ability to plan for the future.

Upton [11:04]: "We're not actually saving money, we're just buying cheaper crap... our lives are becoming more stressful."

Bannon echoes these sentiments, highlighting the disconnect between progressive economic agendas and the needs of the average American. He stresses that the American Dream should encompass job security and economic ownership rather than merely access to low-cost goods.

Bannon [10:08]: "The American dream is not predicated upon buying cheap goods from China... built upon our industrial might."

The discussion underscores the administration's commitment to restructuring the economy to favor domestic production and provide Americans with stable, long-term employment opportunities.

4. Gavin Newsom's Comments on Gender Issues in Sports

Speakers: Brandon Showalter, Gavin Newsom, Steve Bannon, Forrest Cho
Timestamp: [19:06] - [26:27]

A controversial segment features a dialogue between Brandon Showalter and California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the participation of transgender athletes in female sports. Showalter challenges Newsom on addressing perceived unfairness in competitive sports categories.

Showalter [19:18]: "Would you speak out against this young man, A.B. Hernandez, who right now is going to win the state championship in the long jump?"

Newsom responds by acknowledging the issue of fairness while advocating for decency and support for vulnerable communities, emphasizing a balanced approach to the debate.

Newsom [19:23]: "It is an issue of fairness... how we can address this issue with decency."

Steve Bannon probes further, questioning Newsom's sincerity and whether this stance indicates a shift in his political strategy ahead of potential presidential ambitions.

Bannon [20:08]: "Is he just a narcissistic opportunist or do you think this is really a change of heart?"

Forrest Cho joins the discussion, criticizing Newsom as a "narcissistic opportunist" and highlighting the dysfunction within the Democratic Party on gender ideology issues.

Cho [21:06]: "He is indeed a narcissistic opportunist... gender activists as the de facto religion for them."

The exchange highlights significant tensions within the Democratic Party and the broader societal debate over gender identity and fairness in sports.

5. January 6 Cases and Judicial System Delays

Speakers: Trent Evans, Steve Bannon
Timestamp: [31:54] - [42:29]

Trent Evans, a member of Condemned USA, discusses the ongoing challenges faced by individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol events striving for pardon and release. He criticizes the judicial system's inefficiency and perceived bias against supporters of former President Trump.

Evans [31:58]: "I actually would have been better off if I were an Antifa protester... who assaulted an officer and a civilian."

Evans recounts his experience, contrasting his treatment with that of others who received lighter sentences, asserting that the judicial process remains obstructive despite executive orders for pardons.

Evans [35:02]: "Judge Jennifer Thurston... played political games with this man."

Steve Bannon presses Evans on the apparent delays and inconsistencies in releasing January 6 defendants, questioning the effectiveness of the Department of Justice under its current leadership.

Bannon [35:02]: "How could we be sitting here on the 6th of March and you're telling me, hey, not only some people are not out...?"

Evans responds by detailing ongoing efforts to secure releases for more individuals, exposing systemic issues within the judiciary that hinder the fulfillment of presidential pardons.

Evans [38:10]: "We're finding more J6ers that people didn't know about... serious problems and serious accountability issues."

The segment underscores the persistent challenges in achieving justice and accountability for participants in the January 6 events, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and reform.

6. National Security Concerns: Chinese Infiltration

Speakers: Alex Leary, Steve Bannon, Forrest Cho
Timestamp: [47:17] - [51:48]

In the closing segment, Alex Leary from the Wall Street Journal discusses the deep-rooted infiltration of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) within the United States. He draws parallels between current U.S.-China relations and the Cold War-era Soviet containment strategy, emphasizing the strategic advantages the CCP gains through intelligence and economic espionage.

Leary: "CCP is different than the Soviet Union... they have deep infiltration into this country... technology sector..."

Leary warns of the severe implications of CCP’s integration into U.S. sectors such as intelligence, finance, and technology, citing instances of stolen technology and compromised intelligence operations that jeopardize national security.

Leary: "They have already compromised operations in China... steal the technology for F35... they can cut you off from your drugs."

Steve Bannon and Forrest Cho discuss the urgency of addressing these infiltration issues, advocating for a robust response to mitigate the CCP’s strategic maneuvers against the U.S.

Bannon: "President Trump's grand strategy is to take down the CCP... economic war."

The conversation highlights the critical need for heightened vigilance and strategic policies to counteract the CCP's influence and protect American interests both domestically and internationally.

Conclusion

Episode 719 of Bannon's War Room provides an in-depth exploration of pressing economic and political issues facing the United States. From advocating for protective tariffs to addressing internal party conflicts and national security threats, the episode underscores the multifaceted challenges and strategic responses driven by the Trump administration. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and actively participate in shaping the nation's economic and political future.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Bessant [00:10]: "Tariffs are going to go up... non-tariff barriers are the actual easy part."

• Steve Bannon [07:42]: "He's a working class kid from Myrtle Beach... he's very MAGA and he can explain it."

• Will Upton [11:04]: "We're not actually saving money, we're just buying cheaper crap... our lives are becoming more stressful."

• Trent Evans [38:10]: "We're finding more J6ers that people didn't know about... serious problems and serious accountability issues."

• Alex Leary: "CCP has deep infiltration into this country... they can steal the technology for F35... they can cut you off from your drugs."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who have not listened to the full podcast.