Real America’s Voice: THE WAR ROOM WITH STEPHEN K. BANNON (EP. 5017)

Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Date: December 23, 2025

Overview

This episode of "The War Room" dives deep into the latest developments in high-profile legal cases, government “weaponization”, political prisoner debates, and the state of the U.S. economy. With a cast of regulars and guest experts, Steve Bannon orchestrates rapid-fire interviews and roundtable discussions, spotlighting stories he contends the mainstream media won’t touch. Central themes include the criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan, legal battles surrounding Tina Peters, and an economic analysis with Dr. Peter Navarro, with commentary on artificial intelligence regulation and national security concerns about voting machines. The show carries Bannon’s trademark combative energy and emphasizes urgency, resistance to “the regime”, and “America First” values.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Breaking News: John Brennan Under Grand Jury Investigation (04:39–14:35)

Guest: John Solomon (Just the News)

• Grand Jury Update: John Solomon reports that John Brennan, former CIA Director, is the target of a criminal grand jury investigation, potentially for perjury and conspiracy related to the Steele dossier and Russia probe.
  • “His lawyers have told the chief judge in Miami that they believe their client has been named a target…likely to be indicted.” (04:39–05:10)
  • The case, originally in D.C., PA, and NY, is now consolidated in Miami — likely because of the Mar-a-Lago raid (Florida is the specific venue due to alleged crimes occurring there).
• Venue Dispute: Brennan’s lawyers argue this is “forum shopping” for sympathetic judges, particularly referencing Judge Eileen Cannon in Florida.
  • “This letter…reveals that the weaponization investigation has moved…to Miami now.” (06:22)
• Evidence Details: Solomon outlines the claim that Brennan lied to Congress in 2023 regarding his efforts to insert the Steele dossier into official intelligence. Emails purportedly contradict his testimony.
  • “Not a real defense on the merits, they are just fighting the process.” (08:30)
• Implications and Strategy: Prosecutors may use a simple perjury case to pressure Brennan into cooperating or to send a message to others; up to 30–40 grand jury subpoenas have been issued.
  • “This may be the opening salvo.” (10:05)

Notable Quote:

“It’s all process, which is: we don’t believe this should be in Miami. We think this is unfair. This is forum shopping, judge shopping…But what about the underlying question?”
—John Solomon (07:26)

Discussion of Venue Politics:

• Brennan’s “game” is to seek a trial in D.C. or Northern Virginia, where jury pools tend Democratic.
  • “They want a D.C. jury pool of 93, 94% Democrats who don’t like Donald Trump.” (12:03)

2. Tina Peters: Described as a Political Prisoner (14:35–26:43, 21:55–26:43)

Guests: John Case (lawyer for Tina Peters), Steve Bannon

• Legal Filing: Peters’ legal team is filing a motion arguing Trump has the constitutional power to pardon Peters, and she’s immune from prosecution for preserving election records as a Mesa County Clerk.
  • “She is immune from prosecution because she was performing a federal duty to preserve election records.” (15:31)
• State vs. Federal Standoff: Colorado’s governor and legal officials are accused of “stonewalling” federal efforts at resolving the dispute; refusal to allow transfer to minimum security is characterized as “discrimination based solely on gender.”
• Alleged Mistreatment: Peters is depicted as being targeted for her speech (criticizing voting systems) and suffering poor prison conditions:
  • “The temperature in Tina’s unit…was 96.3 degrees. That is sweltering.” (22:06)
  • “When the DOJ came in to inspect it last week…the inmates were forced to work 16 hours a day, scrubbing walls, painting over the mold…” (23:10)
  • “She’s a level one…no prior offenses and is not violent. She belongs in a level one facility but Colorado doesn’t have any for women.” (24:00)
• Bannon Calls for Action: Suggests the only solutions are legal victory or sending federal marshals.
  • “You got two choices…Either case you win and your legal team ticked in you guys with the law, or…deputize U.S. marshals to go down there and get her.” (25:46)

Notable Quote:

“That’s why she’s in prison, because of her speech. She criticized the voting system and the judge said you get nine years.”
—John Case (17:26)

3. Economic Outlook: “Blowout” Numbers, New Trump-Era Growth (27:14–33:24)

Guests: Dr. Peter Navarro (former Trump trade advisor), Steve Bannon

• Retail and GDP numbers: 4% increase in retail spending and a 4.3% jump in Q3 GDP suggest robust economic growth.
  • “I think what looks increasingly like a surprisingly healthy economy, actually perhaps more healthy than we’ve given it credit for.” (29:07)
• Middle Class Emphasis: Navarro claims a “biggest refund in history” is coming for middle/working-class taxpayers, alongside more investment via 100% expensing, falling oil prices, and strong capital repatriation.
  • “You got a lot of investment taking place, driving growth…going to be the biggest refund for the middle class and blue collar workers…” (30:43)
• Comparisons to Trump’s First Term: Navarro reports “the same rhetoric” from critics who downplay Trump’s economic effects.
  • “We’re doing the same drill, but it’s on steroids…It’s here we go again.” (31:03)

Bannon’s Take:

• Argues positive economic news undercuts opponents’ messaging and will lead to more intense tactics from Democrats.
  • “As the economy gets better, you take out the number one tool they think they’re going to club us with. They’re going to be like a wounded animal…as the economy improves.” (38:00)

4. Grand Conspiracy and Deep State Prosecutions (40:31–44:22)

Guest: Mike Davis (Article III Project)

• Brennan Case Update: Davis confirms the case is proceeding in Fort Pierce, with professional prosecutors, and criticizes Brennan's legal strategy as “desperate.”
  • “It’s defamatory and it’s desperate. And I actually thought that Ken was a better lawyer than this, but apparently not.” (41:30)
• Peters and CFIUS Review: Focuses on national security risks of foreign-owned voting machine companies (Smartmatic, Sequoia), calling for declassification of relevant CFIUS reviews.
  • “If there were national security concerns about our election machines…Congress on a bipartisan basis asked for a CFIUS review.” (43:12)

5. Artificial Intelligence Regulation: A Brewing Political Issue (44:22–49:10)

• Issue Salience: Cites polling showing AI is a rapidly growing concern among Americans, now rising to near the level of the economy itself.
  • “The single biggest issue could be next to the economy…wait for it: artificial intelligence.” (44:40)
• Battle Against Tech Bro ‘Amnesty’: Bannon and Davis recount efforts to kill legislation that would give tech companies wide latitude with little regulation (“AI amnesty”), instead pushing for the “four C’s” — protections for children, conservatives, creators, and communities.
  • “We forced the Tech Bros to the table and forced them to embrace the four Cs…you’re not going to have amnesty.” (46:14)

6. Medical Freedom & Alternative Pharmacies (53:23–59:57)

Guest: Michael Kunstler (All Family Pharmacy)

• Pharmacy’s Mission: Created in response to the pandemic and restrictions, offering antibiotics and off-label medications via licensed professionals.
  • “We think medical freedom is very important in nowadays industry…people can’t just go to their doctor and say, hey, can I get an antibiotic?” (54:41)
• Patient Process: Explained ease of access, ability for consultation, and discount offers for Bannon’s audience.
  • “We'll teach you what the dosages are…I think that’s most important is having somebody with a medical license…guide you in the right direction.” (58:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going medieval on these people."
  —Steve Bannon (03:22)

• "His lawyers have told the chief judge in Miami that they believe their client has been named a target...likely to be indicted."
  —John Solomon (04:39)

• "It's all process, which is: we don't believe this should be in Miami. We think this is unfair. This is forum shopping, judge shopping...But what about the underlying question?"
  —John Solomon (07:26)

• “That’s why she’s in prison, because of her speech. She criticized the voting system and the judge said you get nine years.”
  —John Case (17:26)

• "We're doing the same drill, but it's on steroids. Right. We've got the tax cut, big, beautiful bill coming now ... That's going to push up the growth rate. And, yep, it's, it's. Here we go again."
  —Dr. Peter Navarro (31:03)

• "If that had gone through, the president would have been jammed up. And Fabrizio tells you this now, he's trying to change the narrative, but it would have been jammed up."
  —Steve Bannon (47:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 04:39–14:35 — John Solomon on John Brennan grand jury, legal and political implications
• 15:31–26:43 — Tina Peters legal fight, conditions in prison, issue of political prisoners
• 27:14–33:24 — Navarro on the economy, Trump's economic policy impacts
• 40:31–44:22 — Mike Davis on grand jury, conspiracy prosecution, CFIUS voting machine review
• 44:22–49:10 — Artificial intelligence regulation, battle with tech industry over legislative amnesty
• 53:23–59:57 — Interview on All Family Pharmacy and medical freedom

Tone and Language

• Combative, Defiant, and Urgent: Bannon’s style is unapologetically confrontational and frames his narrative as a battle, often with war metaphors and calls to action.
• Populist/Activist: Frequent repetition of “real America” and “war room posse”—invoking a sense of movement and community.
• Distrustful of Institutions: Strong skepticism (even antagonism) toward the Justice Department, courts, mainstream media, and "the regime."
• Support for Trump & MAGA Figures: Both in legal predicaments and in broader political strategy.

Summary Flow

Listeners hear a sequence of escalating “breaking” stories and perceived crises, all underpinned by a sense of urgency and injustice:

• A former CIA Director could be indicted for criminal conspiracy.
• An election official is described as a political prisoner suffering government retribution.
• The U.S. economy is surging, in Bannon’s narrative, thanks to Trump—and the mainstream is in denial.
• Legislation and regulation battles against Big Tech are recounted as victories for the grassroots right.
• Solutions—whether legal strategies, economic policies, pushback against hostile venues, or alternatives in medical care—are presented with an activist edge and frequent calls for audience engagement.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

This episode is packed with legal scoops, unapologetically partisan economic analysis, and battlefronts for the MAGA movement in both politics and policy. The central narrative is warlike, ranging from courtroom dramas and claims of political imprisonment to economic and technological battlegrounds. Regular listeners will feel mobilized; new listeners encounter the playbook and worldview of America’s most insurgent right-wing show.