Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): The judiciary, stacked with radical judges, is systematically blocking Trump’s second-term agenda. Steve Bannon and Julie Kelly detailed how legal warfare—waged by unelected judges and deep-state operatives—is being used to stall deportations, national security actions, and executive authority.

Kelly didn’t hold back talking to Bannon about it on Saturday’s WarRoom, calling the judiciary “a tool of the deep state,” designed to keep Trump from governing. Together, they pointed out judges appointed by Obama, Clinton, and Bush, accusing them of actively undermining Trump’s executive authority. Bannon warned that leftist judges are engaged in "autocratic consolidation,” using legal battles to obstruct MAGA policies before they can take effect.

Autocratic consolidation: when the conditions in an authoritarian regime (‘closed’ or ‘electoral’) deteriorate further. Democratic breakdown: when a democratic regime (liberal or defective) deteriorates to the point of crossing the line and becoming an autocracy. Source 

 "This isn’t just about Trump. It’s about whether we have a president who can actually lead—or if unelected judges run the country,” Bannon said. 

The Legal Battlefield
The courts have become the biggest obstacle to Trump’s second-term agenda. Every major policy decision faces legal challenges, with left-wing organizations and Democratic attorneys general strategically filing lawsuits to delay implementation.

Deportations and National Security Measures Blocked: Court rulings have slowed Trump’s efforts to ramp up deportations. National security decisions face similar resistance, with legal challenges tying up executive actions in endless litigation.

Appellate Courts Lean Left: Bannon pointed out that Trump’s policies typically lose in the appellate courts by a 2-1 margin, making Supreme Court intervention crucial. The appellate system has liberal judges who consistently rule against conservative policies.

Chief Justice Roberts Sides Against Trump: The Supreme Court recently had a chance to clarify executive authority over deportations. However, Roberts refused an emergency motion, effectively letting lower court rulings against Trump stand.

Bannon clarified that these legal battles are not just roadblocks but a coordinated effort to sabotage Trump’s ability to govern. "They can’t beat us at the ballot box, so they use the courts to stop MAGA,” he said.

A Rare Victory: Reaffirming the Unitary Executive Theory
Amid the legal challenges, Trump secured a significant win in the appellate courts. A recent ruling confirmed that the president can fire administrative board members, reinforcing the unitary executive theory—the principle that all executive agencies ultimately report to the president.

Bannon emphasized the significance of this ruling. "This is about power. If Trump can’t fire bureaucrats who defy his orders, he can’t govern.” The deep state depends on unelected officials who answer to no one. This decision marks a step toward dismantling that structure.

The Left’s Playbook: Delay and Deny
Kelly outlined how the left uses legal battles as a delay-and-deny strategy. By dragging policies through the courts, they effectively stop Trump from enacting his agenda in real time. "They don’t need to win in the end,” Bannon echoed. "They just need to delay long enough to prevent change.”

Bannon warned that this is a well-coordinated attack to neutralize Trump’s presidency. “This is lawfare at the highest level. If we don’t win in the courts, we can’t govern.”

What’s Next?
Bannon and Kelly agreed that these legal battles would define Trump’s second term. Endless court rulings could paralyze his presidency if he cannot overcome judicial obstruction. However, victories like the ruling on firing power suggest that the deep state’s grip is weakening.

Bannon urged Trump’s supporters to stay engaged and fight back. He stressed that controlling the judiciary is just as important as winning elections. "We need Supreme Court rulings, and we need Trump-appointed judges who understand what’s at stake.”

The legal war against Trump isn’t just about policy—it’s about power. If leftist judges continue to obstruct his administration, the executive branch could be permanently weakened. However, if Trump secures more legal victories, he may finally dismantle the deep state’s hold on government.

For more context, watch this two-part series featuring Julie Kelly:

Unitary Theory Of The Executive: Panel That Upheld Boasberg Order Sides With Trump Admin Over Firings

Julie Kelly SLAMS Rachel Maddow