Podcast Summary: "THE WAR ROOM WITH STEPHEN K. BANNON"

Episode 4967 | December 2, 2025
Real America’s Voice | iHeartPodcasts

Overview

This episode centers on the evolving dynamics in Washington, D.C., including the Pentagon’s adaptation to “new media,” controversial legislation about dual citizenship and American allegiance, ongoing military operations against narco-terrorists, and the public refutation of mainstream media claims. The show features key segments: an extended Pentagon press briefing with Kingsley Cortez Wilson, an in-depth interview with Senator Bernie Marino about dual citizenship legislation, and commentary from guest analysts like Dave Brat and Jack Posobiec. The episode encapsulates a MAGA-oriented view of government, patriotism, and transparency in national security.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Pentagon Briefing: “A New Era of Media and Military Priorities”

[05:52–10:09; 16:18–31:50]

Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Cortez Wilson addresses new standards for Pentagon press access, operations against narco-terrorists, and transparency with “new media”:

• Rejecting Legacy Media:

  • The Pentagon is welcoming new media as official press, asserting that legacy media have “self-deported” due to loss of public trust.
  • Quote: “Legacy Media chose to self deport from this building and if you look at the numbers, it's pretty clear why… National trust in These mainstream media outlets has cratered to 28%, the lowest ever recorded.” (Kingsley Cortez Wilson, [06:58])

• National Guard Deployments & Public Security:

  • Extension of armed National Guard patrols in major cities (D.C., Chicago, LA) in support of local law enforcement ([16:18]).
  • Commitment to keeping cities safe against rising endemic violence.

• Operations Against Narco-terrorists in Latin America:

  • 21 kinetic strikes on drug boats, 82 narco-terrorists killed in the Western Hemisphere “[07:59]”.

  • All actions justified as “America First,” lawful under US and international law, and “approved by the best military and civilian lawyers.”

  • Quote: “Our operations in the Southcom region are lawful under both US and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict... when it comes to killing narco terrorists, we have only just begun.” (Cortez Wilson, [08:40])

• Transparency and New Strategic Marketing Division:

  • Announced a new division led by Abby Lower; the Pentagon pledges to maintain transparency with the public and the new press corps.

• Washington Post Report Controversy:

  • Strong condemnation of a recent “fake news” story falsely attributing quotes to top Pentagon officials.
  • Quote: “It is frankly disgusting that the Washington Post would publish something that is so insanely false... it is disgraceful that they call themselves journalists.” (Cortez Wilson, [27:40])

• Accountability for Dissent in Military Ranks:

  • Addressed concerns about personnel engaged in “the resistance.”
  • Commitment to rooting out anti-administration sentiment: “Personnel is policy… our people are consistently putting America first.” ([19:45–20:19])

• War Powers and Venezuela:

  • No explicit commitment regarding congressional war powers—defers decisions to President ([17:25–18:05]).
  • Pentagon supports President “100%” regarding anti-narco operations and any Venezuela policy.

2. Interview: Senator Bernie Marino’s Dual Citizenship Bill

[10:09–15:48]

Senator Bernie Marino describes his bold legislative effort to end dual citizenship for Americans:

• Bill Overview:

  • All U.S. citizens with a second nationality must choose between the US and other citizenship within one year.

  • Framed as restoring “honor, dignity, and privilege” of citizenship.

  • Quote: “You’re either an American citizen or you’re a citizen of another country. You can’t have dual allegiances.” (Sen. Bernie Marino, [10:28])

• Rationale & Historical Context:

  • Cites his own immigrant background and the oath of allegiance to one country.
  • Notes precedent: Founders themselves had to renounce foreign allegiances.

• Political Blowback:

  • Anticipates accusations of nativism, xenophobia.
  • Quote: “They can call me whatever the heck they want... this is about doing the right thing for the American public, restoring the dignity and privilege and honor of being an American citizen.” ([12:46])

• Foreign Policy & Hostages:

  • Asserts that dual citizenship complicates US foreign policy, especially regarding hostages.

3. Analysis & Commentary: Just War Theory and National Identity

[04:37–05:52; 33:17–35:23]

Dave Brat, economist and theologian, frames the episode’s debates within the “just war theory” and the “Judeo-Christian ethos”:

• Lays out basics of just war criteria (from Augustine, Aquinas, Greek thought); the importance of objectivity and moral clarity in war and citizenship.

• Connects dual citizenship concerns to core loves—God, country, family—and warns against the relativism eroding American unity.

  • Quote: “Try working it out where you say, I love this wife, but I love another wife... How’s that going to work for you? ... So when those loves are so clear, what happens to the love for country?” (Dave Brat, [33:17])

4. Pentagon Q&A Highlights

[16:18–31:50] Questions from right-of-center journalists pin down defense officials on practical and ideological flashpoints:

• National Guard Operations:

  • Troops are armed and jointly patrolling D.C.; potential for more deployments under Titles 10 and 32.

• Venezuela Strikes & Public Support:

  • Majority supports anti-drug operations but opposes boots on the ground.

• Afghanistan Review & Refugee Issues:

  • Long-awaited unredacted review of the Afghanistan withdrawal expected by summer 2026.
  • Promise of “more transparency than ever” about military base crimes linked to refugees ([21:49–23:50]).

• Somalia Operations:

  • U.S. counterterror strikes in Somalia framed as narrowly targeted, “America First” efforts—rejecting “forever wars.”

• Congressional Coordination and Senatorial Criticism:

  • Department working closely with Congress, including explanations around “war crimes” allegations and responding to critics such as Senator Wicker and inquiries into Senator Mark Kelly’s alleged “seditious” conduct.
  • Court martial is “on the table” for Senator Kelly pending investigation.

5. Commentary on Press Corps & Media Transformation

[31:50–46:38]

Host and guests reflect on the “new era” of Pentagon-media relations:

• The value of “citizen journalists” and MAGA-aligned reporters asking substantive questions compared to legacy media's focus on “gotcha” questions.

• Jack Posobiec praises the diverse right-leaning press corps now with Pentagon access, listing key figures and outlets: James O'Keefe, Laura Loomer, Matt Gaetz, RedState, Post Millennial, Human Events, Zero Hedge, and more.

  • Quote: “You had serious questions from serious people... these are the most hard hitting stories in the country right now and that’s why the people in this room are here. They weren’t handed these seats. They earned them big time.” (Jack Posobiec, [45:28])

6. Cabinet Meeting: Economic Growth and “America’s Comeback”

[51:15–60:25]

The episode closes on the beginning of a Cabinet meeting with the President and Treasury Secretary (likely Scott Bessant):

• Economic Recovery:

  • Claims of historic investment: over $18 trillion in ten months versus $1 trillion in four years under Biden.

  • Gas prices, groceries, mortgage rates, and inflation “all improving,” attributed to current administration policies.

  • Quote: “I inherited the worst inflation in history. There was no affordability. Nobody could afford anything. The prices were massively high.... since last January, we've stopped inflation in its tracks. And there is still more to do.” (President, [52:22])

• Energy & Fed Policy:

  • Lower gasoline prices, rebuilding national strategic reserves.
  • Plans to appoint a new Federal Reserve Chair next year.

• Prescription Drug Pricing:

  • Declares “the single biggest thing we’ve ever done” is cutting drug costs via favored nations clauses.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 06:58 | Kingsley Cortez Wilson | “Legacy Media chose to self deport from this building... National trust in These mainstream media outlets has cratered to 28%.” | | 08:40 | Kingsley Cortez Wilson | “When it comes to killing narco terrorists, we have only just begun.” | | 10:28 | Sen. Bernie Marino | “You’re either an American citizen or you’re a citizen of another country. You can’t have dual allegiances.” | | 12:46 | Sen. Bernie Marino | “They can call me whatever the heck they want... this is about doing the right thing for the American public, restoring the dignity and privilege and honor of being an American citizen.” | | 27:40 | Kingsley Cortez Wilson | “It is frankly disgusting that the Washington Post would publish something that is so insanely false... it is disgraceful that they call themselves journalists.” | | 33:17 | Dave Brat | “Try working it out where you say, I love this wife, but I love another wife... How’s that going to work for you?... What happens to the love for country?” | | 45:28 | Jack Posobiec | “These are the most hard hitting stories in the country right now and that’s why the people in this room are here. They weren’t handed these seats. They earned them big time.” | | 52:22 | President | “I inherited the worst inflation in history... since last January, we've stopped inflation in its tracks. And there is still more to do.” |

Tone and Style

The tone is combative, patriotic, and unapologetically “America First.” Speakers deliver blunt critiques of legacy institutions and assert pride in MAGA-aligned perspectives. The Pentagon press conference sets a new standard for right-wing media access, questioning, and government transparency (as defined by the hosts). The Cabinet segment is celebratory, touting dramatic economic successes and contrasting the current administration with previous ones.

Timestamps Breakdown

• [02:07] Bannon sets tone: "Pray for our enemies... we're going medieval..."
• [04:37–05:52] Dave Brat on Just War Theory.
• [05:52–10:09] Pentagon Press Secretary briefing, anti-legacy media stance.
• [10:09–15:48] Senator Marino on dual citizenship bill, Bannon Q&A.
• [16:18–31:50] Extended Pentagon press Q&A on operations, dissent, war powers, Venezuela, Congress, and internal investigations.
• [33:17–35:23] Dave Brat's commentary on love of country, morality, and the left.
• [41:10–46:38] Jack Posobiec’s reactions, observations on MAGA press corps, professionalization, media landscape.
• [51:15–60:25] Cabinet meeting: economic claims, energy, drug prices, Fed chair preview.

Conclusion

This episode offers a window into how the MAGA-right envisions governance, media relations, and national security: robust, confrontational, patriotic—and aimed at bypassing traditional media for self-selected “honest brokers.” The Pentagon’s cooperation with new media is held up as a triumph. The episode champions mono-allegiance, military assertiveness, transparency on its own terms, suspicion of legacy institutions, and confidence in conservative economic management.

For further details, key quotes, and granular breakdown, reference the above sectioned timestamps against the full transcript.