Freddie Hayward, US correspondent for the New Statesman, and Ian Ward, Politico reporter specializing in the conservative movement, dive into the controversial legacy of Steve Bannon. They discuss Bannon's rousing appearance at CPAC, where he urged Trump to aim for a third term in 2028 and faced backlash for a gesture likened to a Nazi salute. The duo explores the ideological divides within the MAGA movement, contrasting Bannon's nationalism with figures like Elon Musk, and speculates on the future of the Republican Party amid these tensions.
Steve Bannon’s recent CPAC speech showcases his enduring influence over the MAGA movement and his call for Trump’s potential third term in 2028.
The podcast highlights the ideological rift within the MAGA movement, particularly the clash between Bannon’s nationalistic populism and the globalist tendencies of figures like Elon Musk.
Deep dives
Bannon's Political Influence and Rhetoric
Steve Bannon maintains a significant influence over the MAGA movement through his populist rhetoric and strategic positioning within conservative circles. His recent speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) illustrates this, as he praised Donald Trump while calling for his potential run for a third presidential term in 2028. Bannon's ability to energize the crowd, combined with his historical association with Trump, underscores his relevance despite past controversies, including serving time for defying a subpoena related to the January 6 investigation. Bannon’s messaging is characterized by a combative tone, urging followers to persist and resist perceived enemies, which resonates strongly with his audience's sentiments towards the political establishment.
Division Within the MAGA Movement
The podcast discusses the ideological rift within the MAGA movement, particularly between figures like Bannon and Elon Musk. While both seek to influence the movement, their visions clash, with Bannon representing a nationalistic populism opposed to the globalism that he attributes to Silicon Valley elites. Despite these divisions, practical political loyalties often override ideological disagreements, facilitating cooperation among factions within the Trump administration. The underlying tension hints at a future where these ideological divides may become more pronounced as the movement evolves beyond Trump's immediate influence.
Bannon's Long-Term Strategy and Goals
Steve Bannon articulates a long-term vision for the MAGA movement, emphasizing a struggle against what he calls the deep state and entrenched interests. He sees his objectives as transformative, aiming to reshape the political landscape over the next fifty years, rather than being constrained by immediate electoral cycles. Bannon identifies key priorities such as reducing national debt, opposing the war in Ukraine, and advocating for significant changes in immigration policy, reflecting his broader strategy to uplift the working and middle classes against oligarchic influences. This perspective positions him as a persistent agent advocating for populist nationalism, even as he navigates the conflicting ideas of various factions within the political right.
Last week Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist for the first seven months of his first term in office, graced the stage at CPAC (the annual Conservative Political Action Conference) to rapturous applause.
"We're not going to retreat. We're not going to surrender. We're not going to quit. Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Although Bannon fell out of favour with the president back in 2017, he's managed to maintain great influence over the Maga movement, a movement he helped create.
His speech created headlines worldwide after he was accused of performing a Nazi salute to the crowd. Something he denies. He also called for Trump to run for a potentially constitutional breaching third Presidential term in 2028.
So what does he really believe Maga are still fighting for?
Kate Lamble is joined by the New Statesman's US correspondent Freddie Hayward, and Politico reporter Ian Ward.