‘Days of thunder’: Steve Bannon Discusses the Potential Return of the Trump Administration
This week, the former adviser participated in an extensive interview with POLITICO.
TroibNews 
Steve Bannon shared his insights about the next four years for Donald Trump as he prepares to take the White House once again.
In a comprehensive interview with PMG’s White House bureau chief Dasha Burns on Tuesday, the former Trump strategist and host of the War Room podcast took aim at Elon Musk, forecasted a more organized White House, and discussed the potential implications of his upcoming fraud trial on his influence within the Trump sphere. Here are the key takeaways.
On ‘shock and awe’ of Trump 2.0
Bannon dismissed the “shock and awe” strategy of Trump’s initial administration as outdated, suggesting that it was a concept for 2017. He indicated that Trump’s team is entering with greater preparation, thanks to a solid cadre of loyalists and initiatives like Project 2025, which has been working on policy development over the years. According to Bannon, this new administration is better equipped to commence operations immediately. He suggested the early days of Trump’s second term would be markedly more intense, with quick confirmations of Cabinet members, numerous well-considered executive actions, and legislative efforts—unlike the hasty and unpredictable policymaking seen during the first term.
“I tell people, ‘shock and awe was a ‘17 concept.’ ‘Days of thunder,’ I think are gonna be the concepts starting next Monday,” Bannon stated. “And I think these days of thunder starting next week are going to be incredibly, incredibly intense.”
He also anticipated a shift in the dynamics of the White House, moving away from the “contentious, in-the-open fighting” characteristic of Trump’s first term. Bannon credited the incoming Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, for her adept leadership, calling her “fantastic” and a “safe pair of hands.”
Regarding notable figures from Trump’s first White House—Corey Lewandowski, David Bossie, Jason Miller, Boris Epshteyn, and himself—Bannon mentioned they would now be positioned externally.
“And I think all of those people are gonna be very strong voices on the outside and whatever vertical they’re in,” Bannon commented. “I would look for President Trump to have a lot of support both inside the White House with a much more smoothly running operation and also outside with allies who now have kind of their, as you call them perches of their own … that can support the president in the policies that he’s eventually going to want to drive.”
On Trump’s relationship with GOP leadership
Although Bannon has openly criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson, he acknowledged that Trump trusts both Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, which he believes is crucial as Republicans navigate a narrow trifecta of power. He anticipates an “intense” period for the party and maintains that the ongoing discussions over the best reconciliation strategy for advancing Trump’s legislative agenda represent the most “important fight” ahead—one that will shape the next four years.
“President Trump’s very comfortable with both people, and I think that’s very important because this is gonna be like going into combat, right? This is gonna be so — in the moment it’s gonna be so intense and decisions are going to have to be made. You have to trust the judgment of those people,” Bannon expressed, adding that he holds different views himself. “President Trump makes the ultimate decisions.”
One active battleground for intra-party contention will be tax policy. Bannon reiterated his advocacy for raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations while calling for reductions in federal spending and identifying defense spending as a potential source for those cuts.
On Trump’s first executive orders
Bannon indicated that border czar Tom Homan and Trump’s deputy chief of policy, Stephen Miller, are preparing several actions aimed at strengthening control over the border and illegal immigration. He expressed a desire for Trump to extend these initiatives further and called for a temporary halt to all immigration as the new administration develops its policy solutions.
He also introduced the idea of an External Revenue Service, targeting the collection of tariffs and alternative revenue from foreign sources. Shortly after, Trump echoed this sentiment on Truth Social.
On Elon Musk
When asked about the tech billionaire Elon Musk's close ties to the incoming president, Bannon quipped, “What’s shocking to me is he doesn’t have much power.”
He noted Scott Bessent’s selection over Musk’s preferred candidate, Howard Lutnick, for Treasury secretary, and highlighted Musk’s acknowledgment that the H-1B visa program—favored by him—requires reform. Bannon asserted that MAGA loyalists would eventually sway Musk to their perspective, advocating for the program's complete elimination.
“We’re winning this round, and we’re winning this round pretty big,” Bannon said, regarding the H-1B debate. “I think we’ll get Elon there. As soon as I can turn Elon Musk from a techno-feudalist to a populist nationalist, we’ll start making real progress.”
As Trump’s expansive GOP regains power, the dynamic between Bannon and Musk illustrates the internal conflicts already emerging and the hurdles that will face the new president. Bannon noted, “President Trump is good, particularly about people arguing ideas, and the best idea and the best policy wins.” He anticipates an intense environment moving forward.
However, despite his assertions of Musk's limited sway, Bannon conceded that Musk had financially supported Trump’s campaign significantly and “deserves a place at the table.”
On Bannon’s looming fraud trial
Bannon was released in October from a four-month federal prison term for defying a subpoena related to the congressional investigation into the Capitol attack. He faces further criminal charges in New York state for allegedly defrauding donors who contributed to the border wall initiative, pleading not guilty to money laundering, fraud, and other accusations, with trial proceedings set to begin on February 25.
He claimed that these challenges would not hinder him, asserting, “I’m simply not afraid.”
“I came out of prison this time with more power, more impact, more focus than I had going in. So I’m not afraid of prison. I’m not afraid of any charges they put up. I’m not afraid of any kangaroo court,” he remarked. “So we’ll take care of the situation in New York. Another political persecution, but we’ll get through that. It won’t impact me whatsoever.”
Ali Bianco contributed to this report.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a comprehensive interview with PMG’s White House bureau chief Dasha Burns on Tuesday, the former Trump strategist and host of the War Room podcast took aim at Elon Musk, forecasted a more organized White House, and discussed the potential implications of his upcoming fraud trial on his influence within the Trump sphere. Here are the key takeaways.
On ‘shock and awe’ of Trump 2.0
Bannon dismissed the “shock and awe” strategy of Trump’s initial administration as outdated, suggesting that it was a concept for 2017. He indicated that Trump’s team is entering with greater preparation, thanks to a solid cadre of loyalists and initiatives like Project 2025, which has been working on policy development over the years. According to Bannon, this new administration is better equipped to commence operations immediately. He suggested the early days of Trump’s second term would be markedly more intense, with quick confirmations of Cabinet members, numerous well-considered executive actions, and legislative efforts—unlike the hasty and unpredictable policymaking seen during the first term.
“I tell people, ‘shock and awe was a ‘17 concept.’ ‘Days of thunder,’ I think are gonna be the concepts starting next Monday,” Bannon stated. “And I think these days of thunder starting next week are going to be incredibly, incredibly intense.”
He also anticipated a shift in the dynamics of the White House, moving away from the “contentious, in-the-open fighting” characteristic of Trump’s first term. Bannon credited the incoming Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, for her adept leadership, calling her “fantastic” and a “safe pair of hands.”
Regarding notable figures from Trump’s first White House—Corey Lewandowski, David Bossie, Jason Miller, Boris Epshteyn, and himself—Bannon mentioned they would now be positioned externally.
“And I think all of those people are gonna be very strong voices on the outside and whatever vertical they’re in,” Bannon commented. “I would look for President Trump to have a lot of support both inside the White House with a much more smoothly running operation and also outside with allies who now have kind of their, as you call them perches of their own … that can support the president in the policies that he’s eventually going to want to drive.”
On Trump’s relationship with GOP leadership
Although Bannon has openly criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson, he acknowledged that Trump trusts both Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, which he believes is crucial as Republicans navigate a narrow trifecta of power. He anticipates an “intense” period for the party and maintains that the ongoing discussions over the best reconciliation strategy for advancing Trump’s legislative agenda represent the most “important fight” ahead—one that will shape the next four years.
“President Trump’s very comfortable with both people, and I think that’s very important because this is gonna be like going into combat, right? This is gonna be so — in the moment it’s gonna be so intense and decisions are going to have to be made. You have to trust the judgment of those people,” Bannon expressed, adding that he holds different views himself. “President Trump makes the ultimate decisions.”
One active battleground for intra-party contention will be tax policy. Bannon reiterated his advocacy for raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations while calling for reductions in federal spending and identifying defense spending as a potential source for those cuts.
On Trump’s first executive orders
Bannon indicated that border czar Tom Homan and Trump’s deputy chief of policy, Stephen Miller, are preparing several actions aimed at strengthening control over the border and illegal immigration. He expressed a desire for Trump to extend these initiatives further and called for a temporary halt to all immigration as the new administration develops its policy solutions.
He also introduced the idea of an External Revenue Service, targeting the collection of tariffs and alternative revenue from foreign sources. Shortly after, Trump echoed this sentiment on Truth Social.
On Elon Musk
When asked about the tech billionaire Elon Musk's close ties to the incoming president, Bannon quipped, “What’s shocking to me is he doesn’t have much power.”
He noted Scott Bessent’s selection over Musk’s preferred candidate, Howard Lutnick, for Treasury secretary, and highlighted Musk’s acknowledgment that the H-1B visa program—favored by him—requires reform. Bannon asserted that MAGA loyalists would eventually sway Musk to their perspective, advocating for the program's complete elimination.
“We’re winning this round, and we’re winning this round pretty big,” Bannon said, regarding the H-1B debate. “I think we’ll get Elon there. As soon as I can turn Elon Musk from a techno-feudalist to a populist nationalist, we’ll start making real progress.”
As Trump’s expansive GOP regains power, the dynamic between Bannon and Musk illustrates the internal conflicts already emerging and the hurdles that will face the new president. Bannon noted, “President Trump is good, particularly about people arguing ideas, and the best idea and the best policy wins.” He anticipates an intense environment moving forward.
However, despite his assertions of Musk's limited sway, Bannon conceded that Musk had financially supported Trump’s campaign significantly and “deserves a place at the table.”
On Bannon’s looming fraud trial
Bannon was released in October from a four-month federal prison term for defying a subpoena related to the congressional investigation into the Capitol attack. He faces further criminal charges in New York state for allegedly defrauding donors who contributed to the border wall initiative, pleading not guilty to money laundering, fraud, and other accusations, with trial proceedings set to begin on February 25.
He claimed that these challenges would not hinder him, asserting, “I’m simply not afraid.”
“I came out of prison this time with more power, more impact, more focus than I had going in. So I’m not afraid of prison. I’m not afraid of any charges they put up. I’m not afraid of any kangaroo court,” he remarked. “So we’ll take care of the situation in New York. Another political persecution, but we’ll get through that. It won’t impact me whatsoever.”
Ali Bianco contributed to this report.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
