Steve Bannon, host of WarRoom and America First-MAGA strategist, tore into certain Freedom Caucus members for failing to use the appropriations process as a tool for systemic change on Tuesday’s WarRoom. Bannon labeled it a fumble at a critical moment for the MAGA agenda.
Key Points:
Bannon called the federal budget negotiations “the single most important fight” and stressed that this is where true reform happens. "The purse strings are the ultimate leverage,” he said, urging Republicans to seize this opportunity to defund policies they oppose and push for systemic changes.
He lamented that while some caucus members are putting up a fight, others are distracted by less impactful political posturing. “This isn’t the time for soundbites—it’s the time for real action.”
Bannon didn’t mince words when calling out Freedom Caucus members he believes have failed to deliver. He accused them of talking a big game about holding the line but caving when it matters most. "They have the power to say, ‘No more blank checks for this administration,’ but instead, we get excuses.”
He warned that their failure to act could fracture the MAGA coalition. "If you’re not willing to stand up in the appropriations fight, what are you even doing in Congress?”
Despite his criticism, Bannon singled out some members for their courage and persistence, commending those who’ve taken a hard stance against bloated spending. He pointed to those who have demanded changes to federal funding priorities, saying, "At least they understand the stakes.”
Bannon tied his argument to a sense of constitutional duty. "The appropriations process is Congress’s constitutional weapon. This isn’t just politics; it’s their responsibility to rein in an out-of-control executive branch.”
He argued that using this process to fund America First priorities—securing borders, reducing government overreach, and tackling corruption—should be the Freedom Caucus’s primary focus. "The Founding Fathers didn’t put Congress in charge of the purse for no reason.”
Why It Matters:
By threatening to block spending bills, the Freedom Caucus could force concessions on MAGA priorities like stronger border security, election reforms, and scaling back the administrative state. Bannon described this as a "moment of maximum leverage” and warned it could slip away.
Bannon’s pointed comments highlight deeper divisions within the MAGA-aligned faction of the GOP. While some want to use their power aggressively, others appear reluctant to push too hard, fearing backlash or shutdown blame.
For Bannon, this isn’t just about appropriations. It’s about showing voters that Republicans can lead decisively ahead of 2024. "People are tired of empty rhetoric. They want results, and they want them now,” he said.
Bannon’s Call to Action:
Bannon closed with a sharp call to arms. "This isn’t about the next election—it’s about the future of this country.” He urged Freedom Caucus members to hold the line and demanded accountability. "If you don’t have the backbone to stand firm in the appropriations process, step aside and let someone else lead.”
Bannon warned that inaction could erode voter confidence. "We’ve seen what happens when Republicans fail to fight. They lose elections, and they lose the country.” His final plea to the caucus: Use your power to force meaningful reforms—or risk irrelevance.
Conclusion:
Bannon’s fiery critique reflects the stakes of the current appropriations battle. It’s not just a fight over numbers; it’s a test of whether MAGA-aligned lawmakers can deliver on their promises. As Bannon put it: "Stop talking. Start acting. The country is watching.”
For more context, watch this WarRoom segment from Tuesday:
Bannon On Mike Johnson: “You Said You’re Gonna Get The Deep State, Tell Me How You’re Gonna Do That”
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