The War Room with Stephen K. Bannon (Ep. 5138)

Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Guests: Brendan Steinhauser, Rosemary Jenks, Kurt Mills, Taj Gil, Mike Lindell

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on American jobs, skepticism toward tech elites, the ongoing fight over H1B visas, and the latest geopolitical maneuverings in the Middle East. Host Steve Bannon and his guests dissect threats to American labor from AI and immigration policy, discuss bipartisan unease about tech's unchecked advance, and analyze new diplomatic strategies in the region regarding Iran, Israel, and the evolving role of Turkey and Qatar.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The AI Disruption to Work and Society

• AI’s Rapid Workforce Disruption
  • The episode opens with a discussion on how AI could affect up to 40% of jobs globally and why the consequences go beyond economics.
  • Some economists advocate preparing for these changes, but political leaders lack concrete plans.
  • Notably, both Bernie Sanders (left) and Steve Bannon (right) are identified as rare voices agreeing action is needed.
  • Quote ([02:55], Economist/Analyst):

    "Not only they don't have a plan, not only they ignorant of AI, they actually think that the current federal plan of just let it go, it's going to work itself out, is fine."

2. Skepticism and Pushback Against Tech Oligarchs

• Public Skepticism Grows

  • After initial AI optimism from tech elites, public relations departments have advised a quieter approach as public trust nosedives.
  • Steve Bannon ([05:03]):

    "The American people don't trust you and they're starting to hate you."

  • Brendan Steinhauser ([05:32]):

    "Every time we're promised utopia, it ends up in the Gulag... They see that what they're trying to build in Silicon Valley is a digital God. They want us all to worship the digital God."

• Demand for a “Permission Structure” to Criticize Tech

  • Shows like War Room give Americans cultural “permission” to voice their concerns about technology without feeling isolated.

3. Universal Concern Across Political and Social Divides

• Grassroots Anxiety and Bipartisan Support
  • Steinhauser observes near-unanimous skepticism toward Big Tech, from faith leaders to blue-collar workers.
  • Non-economic anxieties around AI include eroding human dignity and spiritual harm.
  • Quote ([08:11], Steinhauser):

    "Almost never do I get outright hostile opposition or people that are really on the other side, the side of the big tech bros ... People are concerned ... they're worried about their jobs ... they're worried about the spiritual component of losing work."

4. The Rise of AI “Agents” and Automation

• Agentic Revolution Threatens All Kinds of Labor

  • Bannon highlights the push to convince everyone—from business managers to junior employees—that AI “agents” are essential.
  • Steinhauser explains the purpose-built nature of these agents: replacing white-collar and, increasingly, blue-collar jobs as robotics advances.
  • Quote ([10:49], Steinhauser):

    "The very stated purpose of why they're creating these agents is to take over white collar work ... And now you look at what that impact will be on blue collar work."

• Call to Action

  • Steinhauser urges listeners to join SecureAI.org and become “educated and aware”—to ensure a human, not agentic, future.
  • Quote ([13:23], Steinhauser):

    "The best thing people can do is to join us by coming to our website. Secure AI now dot org ... Be aware, get educated and stay in touch with us because we have to act right now."

5. Immigration and H1B Visas: Labor Market Collision with AI

• AI Exacerbates Existing Labor Displacement

  • Bannon and Rosemary Jenks critique H1B and OPT visa programs, arguing they already damage American workers; AI will only intensify this trend.
  • Jenks references a new study:
    • H1B workers are paid 16% less than Americans on average; for software developers, the gap is 30%.
    • Employers profit from hiring H1B holders versus Americans—creating an economic incentive for job displacement.
    • Quote ([18:08], Jenks):

      "Employers can save almost a third of the wages by hiring an H1B instead of an American ... so we have put American workers second already, and now we’re talking about putting them third. That is not sustainable."

• Donor Class and Politicians

  • Bannon criticizes both parties for ignoring immigration issues due to donor pressures and tech industry lobbying.
  • Jenks describes the uphill battle for legislative reform, especially against entrenched interests.

6. Policy and Legislative Solutions

• Legislative and Executive Pathways
  • Jenks promotes the "Talking Filibuster" to pass election integrity and immigration legislation.
  • She advocates eliminating the OPT program and tightening green card sponsorship through the H1B system.
  • Call to Action ([22:05], Jenks):

    "We have got to defeat the message of the donors. And the way we do that is constant pressure on members of Congress."

  • Resources:
    • Visit iapaction.com for congressional rankings and action opportunities.
    • Social media: @IAProject on X.

7. Geopolitical Update: Middle East Dynamics

• Israel, Gaza, Iran, and the Role of Turkey and Qatar

  • Kurt Mills analyzes recent meetings between Trump, Netanyahu, and Middle Eastern partners.
  • Discussions include a potential Iran enrichment deal—stricter than the Obama-era JCPOA—aimed at avoiding war.
  • Mills notes Trump’s business-first approach: redevelopment of Gaza with Qatari investment, Turkish oversight, and security coordination.
  • Quote ([32:00], Mills):

    "The president has been most adamant about no nuclear weapon. He hasn't been ... generally speaking about no enrichment or no ballistic missiles. These are the Israeli asks..."

• Bannon’s Analysis

  • Bannon contends that Trump’s alliances with Turkey and Qatar—and the financial interests of Gulf states—may push toward negotiated peace and reconstruction rather than further conflict.
  • The lasting “business peace” model of the Abraham Accords is highlighted as both example and blueprint.

8. War Risks & Refugee Waves

• Potential Consequences of Regional Conflict
  • Taj Gil cautions that wide military action in Iran could result in massive refugee flows into Europe and America, deepening domestic tensions over migration.
  • Quote ([44:43], Taj Gil):

    "If we get tangled up in Iran again, it's not going to be clean ... There's going to be a wave of refugees. And guess where they're going: America and Europe."

9. Final Calls to Action and Notable Endorsements

• SecureAI, IAPAction, The American Conservative
  • The hosts frequently reiterate the need for direct grassroots action—joining advocacy groups and staying educated.
  • Kurt Mills directs listeners to theamericanconservative.com for alternative geopolitical perspectives.
  • Mike Lindell pivots focus toward addressing “fraud” in Minnesota and “sharia law,” emphasizing regrouping for strategic wins in the coming election year.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Economist/Analyst ([02:55]):

  "Not only they don't have a plan, not only they ignorant of AI, they actually think that the current federal plan of just let it go, it's going to work itself out, is fine..."

• Stephen K. Bannon ([05:03]):

  "The American people don't trust you and they're starting to hate you."

• Brendan Steinhauser ([05:32]):

  "Every time we're promised utopia, it ends up in the Gulag... They see that what they're trying to build in Silicon Valley is a digital God."

• Brendan Steinhauser ([08:11]):

  "Almost never do I get outright hostile opposition ... People are concerned ... they're worried about the spiritual component of losing work."

• Brendan Steinhauser ([10:49]):

  "The very stated purpose of why they're creating these agents is to take over white collar work ... And now you look at what that impact will be on blue collar work."

• Rosemary Jenks ([18:08]):

  "Employers can save almost a third of the wages by hiring an H1B instead of an American ... so we have put American workers second already, and now we’re talking about putting them third. That is not sustainable."

• Kurt Mills ([32:00]):

  "The president has been most adamant about no nuclear weapon. He hasn't been ... generally speaking about no enrichment or no ballistic missiles."

• Taj Gil ([44:43]):

  "If we get tangled up in Iran again, it's not going to be clean like ... Venezuela. There's going to be a wave of refugees ... that's something I haven't heard a lot of people talking about."

Timestamps – Segment Guide

• 00:34–03:16: Opening—impact of AI on jobs, lack of political response
• 03:16–08:11: Bannon, Steinhauser on tech elite narratives, grassroots skepticism toward AI
• 08:11–10:49: Public sentiment: bipartisan fear, AI’s threat to work and dignity
• 10:49–12:46: Rise of AI “agents,” threat to white- and blue-collar jobs
• 12:46–14:42: How to join SecureAI Alliance
• 15:17–20:02: Bannon and Jenks on H1B visas, AI, and wage suppression
• 22:05–26:48: Legislative challenges, donor influence, call to action at iapaction.com
• 27:31–47:56: Middle East: Trump/Netanyahu diplomacy, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, risks of military escalation and refugee surges
• 44:43–47:35: Taj Gil on regional war risks and refugee flows
• 47:56–49:18: Mike Lindell on political focus, election priorities
• 49:33: Episode closing

Conclusion

The episode presents a rigorous, impassioned critique of unchecked technological advancement, perceived collusion between tech industries and government, and global policy shifts with far-reaching consequences for ordinary Americans. Bannon and guests frame these issues as central to the country’s future, emphasizing grassroots activism, vigilance over labor policies, and a cautious approach to foreign entanglements. The urgency of populist mobilization is a constant refrain, with detailed, practical advice for listeners on how to take action.

For further engagement:

• Secure AI Alliance: secureainow.org
• Immigration Action: iapaction.com
• Policy analysis: theamericanconservative.com