WarRoom Battleground EP 944: Texas Wants To Freeze H1B's; Escaping Sharia For Christ

Summary

---

Bannon's War Room: Battleground EP 944

Texas Wants To Freeze H1B's; Escaping Sharia For Christ
Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Steve Bannon
Guests: Ken Paxton (Texas Attorney General), Chris Russo (Texans for Strong Borders), Nassar Hussein (Christian convert from Islam), and others

---

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the escalating political climate in Texas ahead of the 2026 Senate primary. Main topics include the race between Ken Paxton, John Cornyn, and Wesley Hunt; debates over border security and immigration; the proposition to prohibit Sharia law in Texas; and a personal account detailing the dangers of leaving Islam for Christianity in the UK.

The tone is urgent and adversarial, focusing on grassroots mobilization, conservative identity, and the perceived threats to American and Texas values, particularly from immigration and alleged foreign influence.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sharia Law and Proposition 10 in Texas

• Opening Statements:
  • Bannon warns of "Islamic Jihadis plotting against you" in Texas, specifically mentioning Houston and Dallas ([00:08]).
  • Prop 10, an initiative to prohibit Sharia law in Texas, is to appear on the March 3 ballot. The hosts and guests argue that Sharia is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution ([00:44]; [01:00]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • "The United States Constitution and Sharia are fundamentally at odds with one another." — Steve Bannon ([00:44])
  • Grassroots are actively encouraged to fight for "state and nation" against this perceived threat ([01:07]).

2. Texas Senate Primary: Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn

• Ken Paxton Interview:
  • Paxton claims Cornyn is out of touch, running on large sums of "Washington money" and "lying" in campaign ads about his record ([02:35], [03:56]).
  • Paxton asserts Cornyn has flip-flopped on supporting Trump and border security purely for political gain ([03:18], [03:56]).
  • New University of Houston poll puts Paxton ahead, despite Cornyn’s massive ad spend ([02:35]).
  • Memorable Moment:
    • "He [Cornyn] cannot get elected in a primary telling the truth. Otherwise he would do it." — Ken Paxton ([03:56])
• General Election Narrative:
  • Paxton counters establishment claims that his candidacy would jeopardize the seat. He highlights his prior electoral wins and grassroots support ([06:24]).
  • Paxton outlines priorities for a general election: voter integrity, border security, opposition to Sharia law, tackling the budget deficit, and confronting China ([08:23]).
• Campaign Information:
  • Paxton shares social media handles and calls for national support ([09:20]).

3. Critique of John Cornyn’s Immigration & Border Record

• Chris Russo's Perspective:
  • Texans for Strong Borders has endorsed Paxton, calling Cornyn historically weak on border security and an "opponent" of enforcement ([11:50]).
  • Russo points to Cornyn’s sponsorship of earlier "amnesty" bills and notes Cornyn’s recent hardline shift as politically motivated ([13:01], [14:48]).
  • He details the political context of the Senate race, emphasizing the importance of the runoff structure ([16:14]).
• Grassroots Sentiment:
  • Despite vast financial resources, Cornyn remains deeply unpopular due to a perceived poor record ([17:42]).
  • Russo references Cornyn being booed at the Republican State Convention in 2022 ([17:42]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • "No amount of money can cover up a record that has been this poor." — Chris Russo ([17:42])

4. GOP Voter Attitudes on Immigration and H1B Visas

• Polling Results from Texans for Strong Borders:
  • Russo shares recent polling in the 32nd congressional district:
    • 83% support ICE, even more support Border Patrol
    • 82% back Gov. Abbott’s freeze on H1B visa petitions
    • 85% support universal E-Verify
    • 73% oppose the "Dignity Act" (amnesty proposal) ([22:14])
  • Key Insight:
    • Republican voters want more aggressive immigration enforcement, mass deportations, and limits on legal immigration; moderation is seen as a losing strategy ([23:54]).
• Texas as a Political Bellwether:
  • Bannon and Russo argue that Texas drives broader national trends in the GOP ([10:16], [31:31]).

5. Sharia Law Proposition and Grassroots Energy

• Grassroots Advocacy:
  • Russo explains why Proposition 10 is on the ballot, arguing foreign enclaves in Texas threaten constitutional order by attempting to “purchase land and institute their own legal system" ([32:47]).
  • He expects overwhelming GOP support for the measure (90%+), describing it as a “slam dunk” issue for the grassroots ([34:49]).
  • Details legislative hurdles (Texas Legislature meets only every two years) and stresses urgent policy preparation should the measure pass ([32:47], [34:49]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • "I don't know how that is classified as anything but a hostile takeover of U.S. territory." — Chris Russo ([32:47])

6. Personal Testimony: Escaping Sharia for Christ

• Nassar Hussein’s Story:
  • Hussein, a British citizen of Pakistani descent, recounts persecution after converting from Islam to Christianity in England ([37:23]–[51:00]).
  • Describes violent attacks, ongoing police protection, and social ostracism; attributes persecution to Sharia principles, specifically apostasy laws ([39:13]).
  • Links the rise of fundamentalism in UK Muslim communities to failed multiculturalism policies of the 1980s ([41:01]).
  • Emphasizes the existential conflict for ex-Muslims in the West, charging UK authorities with making Muslims a “protected class” and leaving converts under threat ([50:07]).
  • Striking Quote:
    • "Ban Sharia. Sharia has no room in Western civilization... We ex-Muslims are under constant death threats and a death sentence." — Nassar Hussein ([50:07])
  • Hussein urges Texans to vote for Prop 10 and learn about Sharia from first-hand sources ([51:06]).

---

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Steve Bannon:
  • "Islamic Jihadis are plotting against you... They are working together to overthrow Western civilization." ([00:08])
• Ken Paxton:
  • "He [Cornyn] cannot get elected in a primary telling the truth. Otherwise he would do it." ([03:56])
• Chris Russo:
  • "No amount of money can cover up a record that has been this poor." ([17:42])
  • "I don't know how that is classified as anything but a hostile takeover of U.S. territory." ([32:47])
• Nassar Hussein:
  • "Ban Sharia. Sharia has no room in Western civilization... We ex-Muslims are under constant death threats and a death sentence." ([50:07])

---

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Texas and Sharia Law — Open: [00:08]–[01:20]
• Ken Paxton Interview: [02:34]–[10:16]
• Chris Russo on Senate Primary and Polling: [11:50]–[23:54]
• Discussion on Sharia Law Proposition: [31:45]–[36:52]
• Nassar Hussein Testimony: [37:23]–[51:54]

---

Resources & Ways to Connect

• Ken Paxton:
  • Social: @KenPaxtonTX
  • Website: kenpaxton.com ([09:20])
• Texans for Strong Borders (Chris Russo):
  • Website: strongborders.org
  • Social: @strongborderstx on X, Facebook, and Instagram ([36:26])
• Nassar Hussein:
  • Website: banSharia.com ([51:46])

---

Recurring Themes & Tone

• Urgency to Mobilize: The host and guests urge listeners to remain vigilant and to participate actively in the upcoming primaries—particularly regarding Proposition 10 and border-related races.
• Distrust of Establishment/Elites: There is notable cynicism toward “Washington money,” establishment Republicans, and the political class, especially regarding John Cornyn.
• Focus on Security and Identity: Discussions consistently frame issues of Sharia law, immigration, and border security as existential challenges to Texas, America, and Western civilization.
• Personal Stakes: The inclusion of Nassar Hussein’s harrowing narrative of religious conversion and persecution is leveraged as both warning and emotional appeal.

---

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a deep dive into the 2026 Texas political battles, with heated discussion about border security, immigration (including H1B visa freezes), the Republican primary contest, and a grassroots-led push to outlaw Sharia law in Texas. The second half includes a personal testimony highlighting the dangers of apostasy from Islam in the UK, offered as a cautionary tale for Americans. The overall tone is militant, populist, and mobilizing, inviting listeners to act decisively in the name of protecting state and national identity.

---

For more, visit:

• warroom.org
• kenpaxton.com
• strongborders.org
• bansharia.com

---

Transcript

[Chris Russo]

Foreign.

[Steve Bannon]

Islamic Jihadis are plotting against you.

[Unidentified Caller/Guest]

Why in the hell you think they're.

[Steve Bannon]

In Houston and the north of Dallas? They are working together to overthrow Western civilization, Sharia compounds which are areas governed by religious rules.

[Unidentified Caller/Guest]

We know who you are, we know what you are, and we know what.

[Steve Bannon]

You'Re trying to accomplish, and it is not going to happen.

[Unidentified Caller/Guest]

In the jewel of the crown of the union of this republic, we purge.

[Steve Bannon]

Any attempt to impose Sharia law in Texas. They are not coming. They are already here.

[Unidentified Caller/Guest]

You are not here properly and you're going to leave.

[Steve Bannon]

On 3 March, Sharia law goes on the ballot in the state of Texas. The United States Constitution and Sharia are fundamentally at odds with one another.

[Unidentified Caller/Guest]

We're going to tell them, take your Sharia law and shove it.

[Steve Bannon]

Islam will never dominate the United States, and by the grace of God, it.

[Chris Russo]

Will not dominate Texas.

[Unidentified Caller/Guest]

As Texas goes, so goes the nation. As the nation goes, so goes the world. Are you prepared to fight for this state? Are you prepared to fight for your country?

[Nassar Hussein]

War Room Texas.

[Steve Bannon]

Your host, Stephen K. Bannon starts right now. It's Monday, the 9th of February in the year of our Lord 2026. Honored to kick off this show, and we asked him to jump on. Here is Attorney General Ken Paxton. Attorney General Paxton, we had you on, I think, on Friday show. We've talked about polling that's coming out. You were the ones that tell us, hey, some of this polling that shows a dead heat you think might be a little off. In fact, you think you've got a real spread on Cornyn. There's a poll that just came out from the University of Houston that has you with a pretty big lead over Cornyn. I can tell you now that we've shifted the show to Texas. We, we are curating and watching a lot of local news and a lot of local TV stations. I have never seen in my time in politics, the amount, the gross tonnage of ads that John Cornyn's running on television. I mean, it's. And it comes across as a guy that's not endorsed by President Trump, like he's living at the White House and he's President Trump's best friend. You are not up on television, at least what we can see here, but you have a big lead in this poll at the University of Houston. You want to tell us about it?

[Nassar Hussein]

Yeah.

[Ken Paxton]

It's not surprising to me. I knew John Cornyn could not win a primary. He spent at least probably around 60, 70 million dollars so far on his way to over 100 million before this whole thing is over. And the reason we have a challenge is he is not limited by the $3,500 contribution, obviously, because you can't raise 60, $70 million at $3,500 a pop. So despite all those ads, all those negative ads, and this made up fictional character, John Coryn, who loves Donald Trump, totally made up and not true. And even his positions that he's adopted in the last 10 months are completely the opposite of everything he stood for for his entire 40 plus years. All to get elected. All the fool, fool the voters of Texas.

[Steve Bannon]

What? What is it? It's pretty cynical to think that you can take TV ads because I think modern politics, grassroots politics, particularly the grassroots in Texas, understands that it's canvassing, it's going door to door, and you kind of have a legendary get out the vote effort. It's pretty cynical to think that you can essentially lie to people by putting up these type of ads.

[Chris Russo]

Why?

[Steve Bannon]

What is that cynicism? Because we get this from the grassroots all the time, that a lot of the political class, and particularly guys like Senator Cornyn have a. Just have a very dismissive view of Texas citizens and Texas grassroots.

[Ken Paxton]

I think he's been in Washington so long, I mean, we're talking about 24 years he's been in office since I was in college and I'm 63. I just think he doesn't view the grassroots, the actual voters as important. His view is that Washington's important. I can raise all the money I need to convince these people that he doesn't think are very smart, that he is a different person than he actually is, and that I'm a different person than I actually am. And so he cannot get elected in a primary telling the truth. Otherwise he would do it. He would just tell people, no, I'm not pro Trump. No, I was against the border wall. No, I was for amnesty. No, I sided with Joe Biden to bring Afghan refugees here. No, I sided with Joe Biden to restrict the second Amendment. Why didn't he just tell us the truth? You know why? Because he knows that the people of Texas don't like his position. So he lies to us. And he uses their money, the Washington money, not our Texas money, for the most part, Washington money, to do the lies.

[Steve Bannon]

The other thing about this poll, it, it polled the Democrats. And I think it was. I think it's pretty surprising. Jasmine Crockett's got a pretty big lead over the, over the, the Christian, the. The Christian that thinks, that believes in choice and thinks that what the Angel Gabriel visiting the Virgin Mary in the way was stated in the gospel leads open. The idea of being pro choice is in the. Is actually in the Gospels itself. He's getting beaten by, I think, 10 points or so. Did you. Was that surprising to you?

[Ken Paxton]

No, I'm not surprised at all. This guy is such a fraud. And really, what has he accomplished? He's been in the Texas House. He's really accomplished nothing in his career. And even the Democrats are seeing through that. I'm not saying Jasmine Crockett's a great candidate, but I think she much better known and much better liked in the Democratic voter base.

[Steve Bannon]

What was surprising here, one of Cornyn and the Senate leadership funds hits on you is that, yeah, you know, Ken Paxton can win a primary because he's a darling of the grassroots and he stood up for him. And the grassroots down in Texas are crazy anyway, but you get him in a general election, you're actually putting in jeopardy. The Senate seat in Texas is going to cost us $200 million. So we're going to lose all these other states if Ken Paxton wins. Actually, this poll showed you actually beating Cornyn against Democrats. What do you. So how do they. How did they use that aspect of it to try to smear you now?

[Ken Paxton]

Well, this is just more important. He can't win a primary. So he tells the voters, hey, you got to vote for me. I don't have any. You have no reason to vote for me. I've never been on your side, but I can win. I can win the general election. He has no proof of that. Never has that proof of that. I've won three general elections in Texas that I've done quite well with a lot less money than he spent. And so he gets the, you know, the Washington money to come here and spend $100 million on his race. That could have been used in Michigan, that could have been used in other states, that could have been used later in November for Republicans. And he's really a selfish guy, stealing this money from Republican contributors who would rather see a lot of Republicans win instead of, you know, wasting money on him telling lies for a year.

[Steve Bannon]

The, you know, the reason we're down here is the Sharia law situation, the Islamic situation. I see Cornyn having been a big part of getting the Afghans in here and all that. He's actually taking out ads. I know this is working because Cornyn's actually taking a part of his ads, is that he's the most anti Sharia law individual that's ever gone to Capitol Hill. Is there any truth to that, sir?

[Ken Paxton]

There's none. He's never said a word about it in his entire career that I, I've never seen anything. I've watched him for decades. He's never said that he pulled it. It was a good issue, as all his issues are now. He's adopting completely different positions than he's had in the past. I guarantee you he would never have said anything about this. And actually behind the scenes, very favorable to this Sharia law continuing. He's just got to switch all his positions or not a single position I've seen him take in the last 10 months, not since I got the race. That is consistent with his record of the last 40.

[Steve Bannon]

I want to make sure people are very clear in a general election against either what Crockett or her opponent looked like. It would be Crockett and she's pretty radical. What will be the issues that you put forward to define yourself and that you think can make sure that we hold Texas in the United States Senate?

[Ken Paxton]

Look, I think voter integrity, I think that is a huge issue for Texans. I think this whole issue with illegal immigration and dealing with Sharia law is a huge issue. Those are issues that she will not speak up. The budget, the fact that our event we have a massive budget deficit and taking on China aggressively are going to be issues that I'm going to focus on and I'm going to focus on getting good judges. John Cornyn has not been part of picking conservative, constitutional conservative. Certainly Jasmine Crockett is not going to want that.

[Steve Bannon]

Attorney General Paxton, where do people go on social media to find you? You're putting stuff every day and particularly your campaign site because you're this guy's going to spend $100 million before March 3rd. He's already spent 50 to 60. But the bombardment of television ads is only just begun. It's going to get much more intense, particularly as early voting starts on the 17th. We where do people go out? Where do people go to find more about you and what you stand for?

[Ken Paxton]

So at KenPaxanTX for Facebook and Twitter and then contribute KenPaxon.com and we need everybody's help across the country. Anybody can contribute as long as you're a citizen of this country.

[Steve Bannon]

Attorney General Paxton, you were there for us, for the MAGA base and for President Trump on the first day of the illegitimate Joe Biden's regime. You said that afternoon on our afternoon show that on the 20th of January, 2021, they said, hey, if Biden's Stays within the Constitution. It's helpful to Texas. I'll support him. If he doesn't, we'll go to court to stop him. And I think you were in court in the next couple of days, so you proved your mettle. People very appreciative. And this is the most intense primary I've ever seen. And I think at the end of the day, it'll end up being the most expensive Republican primary for the United States Senate in history. Thank you so much, sir. Look forward to getting you back on.

[Ken Paxton]

Thanks. And encourage your people to get out to vote. Starts February 17th through March 3rd.

[Steve Bannon]

Thank you, sir. This poll, I want to make sure the, the Grace and Mo and Elizabeth. Everybody, let's get this out. I want all the, all the folks, not just in Texas. This, this race obviously has national implications. It has global implications. One of the reasons we're in Texas already got not just a huge audience in the great state of Texas, but throughout the country. Just like Ken Paxton's impeachment, the redistricting fight, they automatically became huge, huge shows that people throughout the country and throughout the world watch because, you know, what goes on in Texas affects the nation. You save Texas, you save the country. Saved the country, saved the world. Chris Russo joins us. First off, Chris, you're Texans for Strong Borders, an incredible group. I want to get into that. You've actually done some polling. But talk to me about the Senate primary race. This is, I tell folks, I have never seen something with this intensity. You have three candidates. Wesley Hunt, former, I guess Marine army combat helicopter pilot, graduate of West Point, is on the board of visitors with Maureen Mo Banner, my daughter up there. You have Ken Paxton, who's a legend for the grassroots in Texas. You have John Corn, who's been there 24 years, that has all the money, and Mitch McConnell in this crowd. And like I said, having moved the show to Texas and now seeing local Texas media, I'm kind of overwhelmed with the number of ads that have come up recording. He just, it's just non stop. It's a relentless onslaught. What's your overall view of, of this race from the grassroots perspective?

[Chris Russo]

So we've already endorsed AG Paxton for this race and for a lot of the same reasons that other people in the grassroots have, that he's been a consistent supporter of strong border enforcement. He was there fighting the Biden administration every step of the way. And I think that he's going to ultimately come out in first place, but go to a runoff and then we'll see who his opponent is. John Cornyn, you know, he's spending more money than basically anyone we've ever seen in a Senate. Senate primary. And he has been an opponent of border security and interior immigration enforcement since he was one of the first authors of one of these grand compromise amnesty bills back in the Bush administration. And I think 2005.

[Steve Bannon]

Talk to me about that for a second when he said his record is not as strong because you run a group that is very hardcore, very focused on border security and also internal security. What do you mean? He's been soft on this and been one of the authors of these amnesty bills.

[Chris Russo]

So, if you remember, everybody remembers the Gang of Eight bill that was going to provide amnesty to illegal aliens who had been in the country and had not had a subsequent criminal record of any type. Well, this actually was preceded by several efforts within the George W. Bush administration that never actually came to fruition because they were so unpopular. And so you had a variety of these bills. One of them was spearheaded by Senator Cornyn back in the day. And then more contemporarily, he's had several efforts that he's been either behind, behind the scenes or vocally supportive of things like lifting country caps for legal immigration, which would guarantee that essentially every legal immigrant for the next 40 years would be from either India or China. And I don't think that's in anyone's best interest. And he, as you mentioned earlier in the show, has been an opponent of border security measures, saying that the border wall was not going to be effective, that we needed different methods of keeping people out, et cetera. And then more recently, he's kind of pivoted because I think he understood that he has never in his career had a substantial primary challenge in. And now suddenly, he's got his hands full, he's at the trough of his popularity, and he's got a fight on his hands. And so he's pivoting to appear more conservative than he has been historically.

[Steve Bannon]

Two things. One is that at least half the ads have Senator Cornyn walking by the border wall. Just be specific about what his real commitment to building the wall has been, because every ad, you've got him at the wall like he's the chief engineer actually designing it.

[Chris Russo]

Well, you know, more recently, the One Big Beautiful Bill act was was passed last year, and it provided a ton of funding for the border wall. But in the first Trump administration, where we could have gotten it done, the US Senate and even the House provided next to nothing for border wall construction. In fact, as you know, the Trump administration had to redirect DoD funds to begin construction of the wall towards the end of the first term. And they were able to get a lot done. But at the same time, it was people like John cornyn in the US Senate and unfortunately, the old House leadership back in 2017 and 2018 that refused to deliver any substantial border, border wall funding to the Trump administration. And it's just recently now that there has been an overwhelming political mandate because of the results of the 2024 presidential election that they've kind of gotten in line now that they see that it is politically expedient for them to do so.

[Steve Bannon]

You said something. I want to make sure the audience understands that in the, in the primary, in the first round, which should be the only round, but you have to get to 50% plus one vote to basically win. If you don't get to 50% plus one vote, you have to go on what is a runoff. Talk to the audience about that.

[Chris Russo]

So, essentially, what will happen is we have three major candidates for US Senate in Texas that would be, as you mentioned, John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, Wesley Hunt. It's unlikely, based on what we've seen, that any of them will past that 50 plus one vote threshold. And so the top two candidates would go to a runoff. That would be just one versus the other. It would be a straight up or down vote. And so, you know, if, if John Cornyn goes to the runoff against either Ken Paxton or Wesley Hunt, I think that he's probably in a bad position to win that runoff, no matter who he's against. And it would be very interesting to see the result if, say, Cornyn came in third and you had Ken Paxton versus Wesley Hunt. I think that that race would be very, very difficult to determine who would be the winner.

[Steve Bannon]

But what you said is, is, is shocking. And I want to make sure people understand that this is a guy that's raised unlimited amount of money. And the Senate Leadership Fund has said that they will put unlimited amount of money here to hold for Cornyn. You're actually in the polls over the last couple of days, up until this poll had Paxton and, excuse me, had Cornyn in third. Given all the money, do you think it. Actually, we could have a situation where John Cornyn could not make the runoff. Having spent 75 or 80 million, maybe even $100 million on a primary, it is certainly possible.

[Chris Russo]

And I think that that just illustrates that no amount of money can cover up a record that has been this poor. I mean, this is a guy that, in 2022, I saw booed on the stage of the Republican State Convention in Houston. And so he is not popular among Republican primary voters. And so I don't think it's any surprise. Now in the past he has not had a well funded high name ID opponent and that's why he's been able to pretty much sail to reelection so often. But this time it's very different. He's got two guys that are running against him that have a substantially more conservative record than he does and who are much more popular among the grassroots. And so I don't think it's any surprise that he would be struggling in this election. And I don't know if it's the likely result that he would come in third, but it's certainly possible, which is shocking, as you said, given the amount of money in his war chest and that's been spent by outside groups trying to keep him and the establishment in power in the U.S. senate.

[Steve Bannon]

You were at a grassroots meeting the other day and I met you, but you had just done some polling that I thought was fascinating and it really hasn't gotten the exposure it deserves. First off, talk to me about your group, give me a minute on Texans for Strong Borders and talk about this poll that you commissioned and what the results are and implication of those results.

[Chris Russo]

Sure. So we are a 501c4 nonprofit that I founded in 2022 after seeing that there really was not a single issue group for border security and putting Americans first in immigration policy that was operating at the state level, trying to make sure that the state of Texas passed the policies that it needed to one, combat the Biden border crisis at the time and two, now that we're through the Biden administration to future proof the state so that we're not caught on our back foot like we were in 2021. So things like eliminating taxpayer funded handouts for illegal aliens, universally verify, reforming our state's border missions so that it's effective in actually repelling illegal crossings and things like that. And so in the interest of that mission of trying to make sure that our state is in the best position, we've seen a lot of these congressional races, particularly in these new seats that have opened up to Republicans since the redistricting last year. And so we decided to do a poll in the 32nd congressional district where it's really three main players. But two of them exemplify this fight between the people that want to put America first and want to stop illegal immigration and continue to finish the job of deporting the illegal aliens that are here and sort of the old guard, the Bush type Republicans that have talked about measures like the Dignity act to give amnesty to illegal aliens who have been here. And so what we found was that Republican primary voters have a very, very resilient interest in continuing mass deportations, in freezing H1B visas, in supporting Universally Verify, and in opposing amnesty. And so it's interesting, you know, we have one candidate here in this race, that's Jace Yarbrough, who has been endorsed by President Trump and Greg Abbott and by us. And he is in favor of all of these strong border enforcement policies. And the other can. One of the other major candidates in the race is Ryan Binkley, who actually ran for president against Trump in 2024 from the left in the Republican primary. And he didn't receive much support at all, but he has signaled support for things like the Dignity act, which would give legal status to people who have been here for a certain period of time. And they say that there would never be a pathway to citizenship. But we know the second that a Democrat gets in office that that's going to be the, that that's going to change.

[Steve Bannon]

Talk to me, just give me. Because, you know, a lot of people watch this on podcasts, so they don't see our actual visuals. Just run me through the numbers because I was blown away at the scale of the support of this. These were not on the margin. Just walk me through the question, what was the positive nature with the number of how big it was in positive.

[Chris Russo]

So among likely GOP primary voters in this congressional district, 83% of the voters support ICE and even more support Border Patrol. Border Patrol and ICE in this poll are even more favorably viewed than President Trump and J.D. vance, who are both in the 80% range. 81% support the Trump administration's operations in Minneapolis. And this poll was taken from January 31 to February 2. And so it was before the announced drawdown in that city. 82% supported Governor Greg Abbott's freeze on H1B visa petitions for state agencies after some of this fraud was uncovered. 85% support universally verify. And then 73% of GOP primary voters opposed the Dignity act when they were told that it would grant legal status to illegal aliens who have been in the country and let them stay here indefinitely. And so we think that this is a sign that even with the left wing media blitz against immigration enforcement trying to sensationalize the issue of enforcing federal immigration law, Republican primary voters remain committed to the mission. And so what we, what we're saying about this is that the way to drive Republican turnout in 2026 is not to moderate. It's not to shy away from the promise of mass deportations. It's actually to double down, to lean into it and to deliver results for your voters and for the citizens of the United States.

[Steve Bannon]

Walk me through that again. Because, you know, there's a lot of confusion about that in Washington and particularly a lot of people. The House just had these donor meetings and said, hey, the economy is going to turn around so well, we don't have to really focus on mass deportations. All these other issues will be secondary. Do you believe that?

[Chris Russo]

I don't believe that. When. So we actually also pulled the most important issue to Republican primary voters. And although affordability was up there, border security and immigration enforcement were number one. And they were a clear number one. I believe it was about 30% of GOP primary voters pick that as their number one issue. And then I believe the next one was healthcare affordability at around 19%. And so, you know, there are people that are concerned about the economy and justifiably should be. But the reality is that Republicans elected Donald Trump in 2024 primarily to not only shut down the border, which he has largely accomplished, at least for now, but to get the people who are in the country illegally out and to stop the taxpayer handouts to them, to stop things like in state tuition subsidies and the like. And until that goal is accomplished, I think there's still work to be done. And the way to get people excited about the Trump administration and the Republican Party is to deliver results.

[Steve Bannon]

Chris, can you hang on for a minute? I'm going to hold you through the break. I want to get, have people get more access to you. And your group says hang on for a second because I think what you're saying is quite profound. And it's, it's true in Texas. It's also true in the rest of the country. This is how we're going to hold the House maybe and pick up a couple of seats. Patriot Mobile 972 Patriot. They're a sponsor forum Texas. Go there right now, you get a free month of service if you make the switch to the best phone service out there. Also a company that has your back, your values, support causes that you believe in. Patriot Mobile 972 Patriot. Call right now and you're going to get someone American citizen with an East Texas accent accent at their incredible customer service branch. So do that today. Patriot Mobile 972 Patriot. A company that has your back. Great phone service and great values. Also, the team at Birchgold has a special go to birchgold.com bannon or text Bannon at 989-898. Either one gets you access to Philip Patrick and the team and you can claim your eligibility on this exclusive Patriots edition of End of the Dollar Empire. When you complete your purchase with Birch Gold by February 27th, they'll send you a copy of this limited edition book for free. That is our End of the Dollar Empire now in a Patriots edition. Make sure you check it out. Short commercial break Back in War Texas in just a moment.

[Jim Rickards]

Imagine having the world's most connected financial insider feeding you vital information. The kind of information only a handful of people have access to and that could create a fortune for those who know what to do with it. That's exactly what you get when you join our frequent guest and contributor Jim Rickards in his elite research service Strategic Intelligence. Inside Strategic Intelligence. You'll hear directly from Jim and receive critical updates on major financial and political events before they hit the mainstream news. He'll put you in front of the story and tell you exactly what moves to make for your best chance to profit as a proud American. You do not want to be caught off guard. Sign up for Strategic Intelligence right now.

[Steve Bannon]

At our exclusive website.

[Jim Rickards]

That's rickardswarroom.com rickardswarroom.com youm go there, you get strategic intelligence based upon predictive analytics. Do it today, right now. Rickardswarroom.com if you could make one holiday.

[Steve Bannon]

Wish, would you wish to be free.

[Jim Rickards]

From your credit card and other debt? Let's see if we can help you with that. If we could give yourself one gift this holiday season, would it be finally to get some relief from your credit.

[Steve Bannon]

Card and other debt?

[Jim Rickards]

I might have a solution. Here's why. Now's the time to make a move. This time of year, credit card and loan companies close out their books. They clean up past due accounts. They sell or write off the debt to clear their books. That means if you have credit card debt and unpaid bills, lenders may be more open to negotiating and settling your account before you're in. That means right now, and I mean right now, you may actually have leverage. And Done With Debt knows how to.

[Steve Bannon]

Use this to your advantage.

[Jim Rickards]

They monitor lender trends and understand the year end pressure on creditors. They use that timing to negotiate hard on your behalf. Now's the time to get out from under crushing debt and interest payments without bankruptcy or taking on new loans. Done with Debt goes to work for you. Month one with one clear goal to reduce your total debt and leave you with more money every month. Get started now because your leverage may disappear at the end of the year. Chat with a Done with debt [e-mail] that's donewithdebt.com donewithdet.com do it today do you owe back taxes or you haven't filed your taxes in years? Now is the time to resolve your tax matters. With the national conversation around abolishing the income tax, the IRS is fighting back and proving it's here to stay by becoming more aggressive than ever before. They're sending out more collection notices, filing more tax liens, and collecting billions more in recent years. If you owe, the IRS can garnish your wages, levy your bank accounts, seize your retirement and even your home if you owe or haven't filed. It's not a question of if the IRS will act, it's a question of when it will act. Right now, Tax Network USA is offering a completely free IRS research and discovery call to show you exactly where you stand and what they can stop before it's too late. Their powerful programs and strategies can save you thousands or even eliminate your debt entirely if you qualify. Don't make a costly mistake representing yourself or calling the IRS on your own waives your rights and cost you more money. They are not, and let me repeat, the IRS is not on your side. Get protected the right way with Tax Network USA and start the process of settling your tax matters once and for all today. Call 1-800-958-1000. That's 1-800-958-10000 or visit tnusa.com Bannon for your free discovery call with Tax Network USA. Let me repeat, 800-958-1000. Tell them Bannon sent you. Don't let the IRS be the first to act. Take advantage of first mover advantage. You move.

[Unidentified Caller/Guest]

As Texas goes, so goes the nation. As the nation goes, so goes the world. Are you prepared to fight for this state? Are you prepared to fight for your country?

[Steve Bannon]

Okay, welcome back. War Room Texas 972 Patriot they're our sponsor for War Room Texas. Make sure you go check it out. Talk to someone in their customer service with the East Texas accent to tell you about the best phone service mobile phone service in the world. Also a Christian company that has your back and supports your values. 972 Patriot Patriot Mobile Chris Russo We've launched War Room Impeachment and Pandemic and the elections, all that. We've never had a show launch this big or this hot before. I think one of the things we did at that conference with Gert Wilders and Glenn Beck was give a permission structure for people in Texas to start talk about this issue. That was right below the surface, kind of exploded. What is your thoughts on the run up early? Voting starts 17 February. What are your thoughts about Sharia law, Proposition 10 prohibiting Sharia law in the state of Texas being on the ballot?

[Chris Russo]

I think we need it because frankly, this is an issue where you have these foreign enclaves that don't respect the United States Constitution, that don't respect any of our values, that are trying to literally purchase large swaths of land and institute their own legal system, one that's hostile to Western civilization within our own borders. And I don't know how that is classified as anything but a hostile takeover of the United States territory. And so I think it's very important to not only put this on the ballot, but to then pursue a comprehensive policy in the Texas legislature and hopefully once we get momentum federally to make sure that these kinds of land purchases to create Sharia communities cannot happen in the state of Texas, I'm working pretty closely with a lot of state legislators to try and make sure that we have policy ready to go. A lot of people may not know this, but the Texas Legislature only meets every two years. And so the next opportunity, unless there is a special session called, is going to start in January of 2027. And so we have to have all of our ducks in a row. From a policy perspective. We need voters to vote for this proposition on the GOP primary ballot to give us the impetus and the momentum to be able to pass this policy quickly and not let the clock run out. Because again, the Texas Legislature only meets for five months every two years. And so that means there's a very limited amount of time for us to get this done.

[Steve Bannon]

Well, hopefully if we, if we represent on the 3rd of January in the lead up to early voting, the message will get out. And I think they're actually talking about Dan Patrick's actually talking the Senate having hearings. You need to have hearings and then maybe even a special session between now and then. What type of heat? You stay very close to the grassroots. What type of heat is this issue generating right now?

[Chris Russo]

It's something that every person I talk to asks me about and wants to talk about. I would say it's probably the number one issue for the grassroots. Specifically, they are very concerned about that. I've seen people that are that every time I talk to Them they want to say or they want to ask me what is being done about this. And so I fully expect this proposition to get 90 plus percent approval on the ballot. I don't think this is going to have any trouble passing. I think that this issue is a slam dunk among GOP primary voters. The real work begins after the primary. It begins in trying to make sure that we have that, you know, the activists within the Republican Party make this a priority at the state convention and then that we have all of these stakeholders that are working on this issue talking to each other, working with lawmakers and then starting to develop policy that can be submitted very early in the process for the state legislature, get a low bill number so it's referred to committee early and then hopefully get the governor to designate this an emergency priority so that this legislation can be passed at the beginning of the session and and not allow the left to run out the clock like they have in the past.

[Steve Bannon]

Okay, I want everybody to go to your site. I want everybody to get familiar with you and what your team is doing. I want people to look at this poll done in 32nd congressional district, Jace Yarborough, who's been endorsed by President Trump. Where do people go? Chris?

[Chris Russo]

So you can find us at our website strongborders.org or at X, Facebook and Instagram @strongborderstx.

[Steve Bannon]

Chris, do you have social media personally have a personal Twitter account?

[Chris Russo]

I do, but it's pretty inactive. It's hriswrusso on Twitter.

[Steve Bannon]

Strong borders. Thank you brother. Appreciate you coming on here. Appreciate you doing the poll. Very insightful.

[Chris Russo]

Glad to be with you, Steve.

[Steve Bannon]

The math around this Texas race and about these issues in Texas are going to get quite important. Want to introduce someone that many of the folks I work with says one of the bravest individuals they've met, Nassar Hussein, joins us. Nassar, tell I want you to take because we're going to have you on here multiple times. I just want to take time and tell your story. Correct me if I'm wrong. You're a Christian convert from Islam, is that correct?

[Nassar Hussein]

That's correct, sir. That's correct.

[Steve Bannon]

Tell us your story. How did that, how did that happen?

[Nassar Hussein]

So I'm born and raised in Ukraine in England to Pakistani immigrant parents. I'm born in 65 and I converted to Christianity in 96 and thereafter the so called community actually persecuted us to the point where I was almost bludgeoned to death in November of 2015. He took me, I ended up being kneecapped and I suffered a Broken hand, trying to stop my head from being bludgeoned in. Spent 11 days in hospital, came away, took me several months to get up and out again. Emotional psychological damage, you appreciate. And a year to the day, 10 armed police in the SWAT style operation descended upon my home. And as a result of that we had to vacate our home because what they deemed as intelligence to suggest our lives were in imminent danger. So talking about we've been living in hiding. Sorry, Steve, just to say we've been living in hiding ever since under police protection in a different part of England where there are no Pakistani Muslims and such like.

[Steve Bannon]

Well, talk to me about that because, you know, people convert from other forms of Christianity. There's people in Christianity convert to Judaism, some that convert to Islam or what is it about, particularly the branch you were in that would consider you an apostate that deserves harm or death or intimidation. What is it in the religion that drives that?

[Nassar Hussein]

It's the cardinal sin in Islam. So I was born and raised under the banner of Sunni Islam. And I can assure you now things weren't as they are now. Things weren't like that growing up in 65. You know, we were British, but we were conformed to the pattern of going to the mosque to learn Arabic scripture. I didn't know what Sharia was. We ne never subscribed to Sharia. We weren't told what Sharia was. All we were there was to learn the chronic scripture and. And that was it. Okay, so I've learned more about Sharia further to my conversion to Christianity. It is the cardinal sin after murder, adultery. Okay. And so we found ourselves, my family and I, my young family, under the death strictures of Sharia, actually. And so which under Islam, any convert that leaves Islam as Muhammad is quoted in the hadith that actually that you, any, anybody that leaves Islam, kill them. Those are his exact words.

[Steve Bannon]

So let me ask you, go back in time. When did this shift? Because like you said, when your parents came and you were born, a young person living in a, in a, in a Muslim household, Sunni Muslim household, it wasn't this type of Islam that was being taught. When did you start to see that change in England of when this became much more puritanical, became much more stricter?

[Nassar Hussein]

I would say round about the early 80s, they brought in this multiculturalism policy, which is a total failure, Steve. And just to sort of add to that, actually integration is a failure. Okay, so from the advent of bringing in, this is the government's bringing in the multiculturalism policy. That's when Things started shifting. And if I may also say there's another issue with the Sikh community, with the Indian community, with the Hindu community, the. The Jamaican community growing up, actually, although we were fewer in number, however, we took on Britishness. Whether you were Indian, you were the Windrush generation, those that came through the Commonwealth by ship, so their children, the Windrush generation, we gelled together, we identified as British. Okay. And so there wasn't this issue. But Certainly from the 80s onwards, it's gained huge traction where the community has outgrown English communities because of the childbirth. Okay. And of course, it's then incumbent upon them to then push Sharia and enforce Sharia. So we as a family were subjected to Sharia enforcement.

[Steve Bannon]

Let me ask you, I just want to go back to the British establishment. So, you know, different. The Sikh community, the Hindu community, you're there, they're ex Commonwealth, you're in England. But everybody's being raised as basically British, as English. Correct. Although you come from very diverse backgrounds up to a certain point of time, then they start forcing this multiculturalism.

[Nassar Hussein]

Yes, sir. And my problem is the Sharia enforcement as a, as a convert Christian. So I can tell you right now, hand on heart, if I said I'm an atheist, we wouldn't have suffered. But as soon as they found out, I converted Christianity. It's Sharia enforcement. And so we, we suffered for over 20 years. We were forced out our first home after 9, 10 years of suffering in the form of terrorism, acts of terrorism. This is daily intimidation. Okay. Car torchings, car rammings, drive by brickings. Okay. I was constantly referred, my family and I, as Jew dogs. And by the way, I take that as a compliment, but that we. Just to give you an idea of the hatred, and this is now extended to the second generation, bearing in mind I am the first generation, so the second generation and the third.

[Steve Bannon]

Talk to me a second about your conversion experience, how being raised as British, you were from a Sunni Muslim household, walk through. How did you actually convert to Christianity? Because I think people in the United States, and maybe some in England, take Christianity for granted. They don't realize the risk of martyrdom, and particularly of people trying to stop your conversion. So how did you actually convert to Christianity?

[Nassar Hussein]

Yeah, it was through a school friend, Steve, who was a sort of punk rocker, actually what we call a skinhead. And he was quite a rough kid, actually. And he was openly racist. Okay. And along the way of seeing him, and him playing truant and not seeing him for months and months and then being Brought back by the school authorities. Back to school, you know, hard as nails. And he comes back on, on this particular occasion, the Mohican hairstyle has gone, the ear piercing's gone, the tattoos are covered. Civil dress code. He's reading the Bible and there's a complete transformation visibly and through his conduct. That blew me away, actually. And he's telling me he's born again. And I didn't know what born again was. I knew what Christianity was, I knew what a Christian was. And you know, I was drawn to him like a magnet actually. And we would have long conversations and he imparted to me a Gideon New Testament. Now, one is taught that this is a lie. The Christians, you know, lie and they, they believe in Jesus Christ, which is a son of God, which is sacrilege in Islam because Muhammad decreed, you know, that there is no father, son and Holy Spirit. It is utter blasphemy. So it's diametrically opposed to Islam. Okay? So as fearful as I was putting this New Testament in my pocket and as a 15 year old kid and actually going home, tucking it under my mattress and reading every evening. So to cut it short, through the Gospel message of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, I made a confession of faith in my bedroom. And that's how I became a Christian. And then I then mentioned to my dear friend John and he said, would like to meet my pastor. And I didn't know what a pastor was actually. And then he tried to explain to me. And so we went to meet his pastor. And the second most amazing thing to me was the pastor was from a Sikh background. His father was the Sikh pastor. His father was a Gurdwara priest, if you like. And actually, so it blew me away, you know, so I recognize that the gospel message translates to awe, regardless of color and creed. And so that's how my journey began. But unfortunately, my mother discovered the Gideon New Testament after several months and she was screaming and tearing the place down. I don't think she understood it. She would have gone to my older sisters and they would have said, oh my God, it's the New Testament. He's got a New Testament. And you know, it's something that's defiling the house or it's, it's something which is taboo. And my mother threatened, as soon as I opened my bedroom door one morning to come down, she was at the bottom of the landing and sort of screaming and shouting, threatening to go to my father. My father was a big man, actually six, four of him ruled with a rod of iron, you know, and so she instilled the fear of God in me and I fell away from fellowship and I, so I think that the expression is I was in a backslidden state and I didn't reconnect with Christianity. Sadly I lost my 29 year old brother. He was one year younger than me. This is in 96 and that's how I rededicated my life. I was in a very broken state. Okay. And so I, through a work colleague who was a Christian, I spoke to him and I said, look, I need to come to church with you. And he started running around and dancing around in the room actually. And he was so excited and so happy. So. But the sad thing is for us, Steve, is that I had a very close friend, a Pakistani friend born and raised like me actually. And I told him that I am now a practicing Christian and he told me as a matter of factly not to come near his door. Our relationship, our friendship was finished through him. He then tells other people and it seems to go out like wildfire. And that's when our persecution began, actually.

[Steve Bannon]

Did.

[Nassar Hussein]

It was like being in an Islamic country. I could really talk to you, you know, for hours and hours and hours. But nothing prepared has prepared us for this Sharia onslaught in the uk, in England, in the country, a so called Christian country where I'm born and raised.

[Steve Bannon]

We're going to have you back on to go more the details. We got to bounce now. But I want. Do you have a warning? This is on the ballot here in Texas on 3 March prohibiting Sharia law in the state of Texas. Already there's I think 200 mosque in the Greater Dallas North Texas area with two a month being built. Do you have a warning to the people of Texas what they ought to focus on?

[Nassar Hussein]

Sir, Sir. As somebody that loves Western civilization and I've done my level best to guard my wife and children and they feel the same way. I would say ban Sharia. Sharia has no room in Western civilization. Civilization actually the police, the government, they have made these people in England a protected class. We ex Muslims are under constant death threats and, and a death sentence and they will not accept Sharia in the form of, you know, wiping out apostates very quickly. Steve, this book is the Reliance of the Traveler. Okay. It's a classic manual of Islamic sacred law. Okay.

[Steve Bannon]

Yeah.

[Nassar Hussein]

I would encourage all your listeners to try and get this.

[Steve Bannon]

Yeah.

[Nassar Hussein]

And I can tell you now if I open it up, I've got it open and I'm.

[Steve Bannon]

We only have a minute. So What I want to do is give your social media and your website. We'll have you back on tomorrow. Where do people go?

[Nassar Hussein]

Okay, so our website is the legalized apostasy website. You can look it up and actually. And so.

[Steve Bannon]

Just where do people go?

[Ken Paxton]

So.

[Nassar Hussein]

And if they look up to ban Sharia.com. perfect. That would be brilliant.

[Steve Bannon]

We'll have you back on tomorrow. I want to continue.

[Nassar Hussein]

God bless America. God bless the American people.

[Steve Bannon]

God bless you, sir. Stay safe. Quite dangerous. It's under death threats every day. Okay, we're going to be back at 10:00am Eastern Standard Time tomorrow. We're in Texas back 6:00pm Eastern Standard Time.

[Jim Rickards]

Listen, folks, I want to tell you about this particular pharmacy because they're actually doing things right now for the American people. They're the real deal, not another corporate chain. If you're tired of fighting a broken system or begging for prescriptions, you need All Family Pharmacy. When someone in your house gets sick at 2am and the pharmacies close, you need All Family Pharmacy. Order online and get it fast. If your doctor refuses to prescribe Ivermectin after everything we've seen, you need All Family Pharmacy. This is a real American family business with licensed doctors, fast shipping, and the meds families rely on. It's simple. Place the order online, the doctor reviews it, and your meds arrive in a few days. War room listeners keep saying how smooth the process is and how much they love this, how grateful they are to finally have a pharmacy that gets them. These folks at All Family Pharmacy are breaking the control of these big pharmaceutical distribution systems. So if you haven't already, check them out. Go to allfamilypharmacy.com bannon and use code BANNON10 for 10% off your essential medications. Check these folks out. You will love working with them. Go to allfamilypharmacy.com Bannon and use code BANNON10.