Steve Bannon, a key figure in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, is unwavering in his belief that the populist nationalist revolution is not just underway but could reshape American politics for decades to come. Speaking from his experience behind bars, where he served time for contempt of Congress, Bannon reflected on his time in prison and the growing confidence he had in Donald Trump’s electoral chances. He shared how even the toughest crowds—his fellow inmates, many of whom were black and Hispanic—recognized Trump as a “gangster” and a “gladiator,” admired for his tough, no-nonsense approach to politics.
While incarcerated, Bannon wasn’t just stewing over his legal battles. He took it upon himself to teach his fellow prisoners about civics, capital markets, and the American political system, underscoring his commitment to educating the next generation on the power of populism. “I’m here for insurrection, and I’m teaching civics,” Bannon quipped, embracing the irony of his situation while furthering his political vision.
For Bannon, the fight isn’t over. He has a clear message for Republicans who resist the MAGA agenda: it’s time to either get on board or be left behind. The movement, he believes, is on the cusp of fundamentally transforming America—if Trump can deliver on his promises in the next term. According to Bannon, a successful presidency could result in GOP dominance for decades, reshaping the nation’s institutions to better reflect the values and needs of working-class Americans.
Bannon is not a typical Republican. He rejects traditional party labels, calling himself a nativist whose primary goal is to put America first and safeguard the nation from foreign entanglements. For him, the old distinctions between Republicans and Democrats are irrelevant. What matters is whether you stand for the American people or for the global elites. Bannon also advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy, warning that unless economic inequality is addressed, the U.S. could face a revolution similar to France’s.
He’s also critical of some of the GOP’s recent focus on culture wars, dismissing such battles as “shiny toys” distracting from the larger issues at hand. Bannon believes that a true conservative revolution will come from prioritizing the economic welfare of working-class Americans and reasserting national sovereignty over international influence.
Looking beyond the U.S., Bannon sees a global wave of populism rising, with figures like Nigel Farage poised to lead Britain in a direction similar to MAGA. The movement, Bannon argues, is not just a reaction to today’s political landscape but the beginning of a long-term transformation—one that could reshape not just American, but global, politics for generations. “You’re either a populist nationalist or a global elitist,” he declares, making it clear where he stands in this ideological battle.