Steve Bannon, the architect of the “America First” movement, is quietly maneuvering behind the scenes, igniting speculation about a potential run for the presidency in 2028. While publicly dismissing such talk, a network of allies suggests a meticulously planned strategy is unfolding, one that could redefine the Republican landscape.
The groundwork is being laid with the precision of a seasoned strategist. Discussions are underway regarding a political action committee, potential staff are being vetted, and crucial connections with grassroots organizers are being reinforced – all operating beneath the surface of mainstream political chatter.
Recent appearances in key states like Colorado and Georgia aren’t coincidental. These aren’t simply speaking engagements; they are calculated steps to engage with the infrastructure and activist networks that will determine early momentum in the coming election cycle.
To some, this appears as a simple power grab. But Bannon’s supporters see something far more significant: leverage. Their goal isn’t merely to win an election, but to fundamentally reshape the Republican Party, forcing it to fully embrace economic nationalism, a non-interventionist foreign policy, and a fierce challenge to the power of Big Tech and multinational corporations.
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz envisions a potential Bannon platform as a surprising synthesis – the foreign policy restraint of Rand Paul combined with the economic populism of Elizabeth Warren. This represents a direct challenge to the established political order and the influence of traditional donors.
Bannon, characteristically blunt, has dismissed the speculation as “bullshit,” insisting his focus remains on supporting Donald Trump and furthering the MAGA agenda. Yet, his actions tell a different story, including vocal support for a third Trump term, even challenging the constitutional two-term limit with a provocative claim that the 22nd Amendment could be circumvented.
He’s even collaborating with legal scholar Alan Dershowitz on a forthcoming book exploring the legality of a Trump third run, a project that signals a long-term vision extending far beyond conventional political timelines. This isn’t about the immediate future; it’s about fundamentally altering the rules of the game.
Privately, allies hint at a contingency plan. Should Trump be unable or unwilling to run, Bannon could step forward as the natural successor, inheriting the movement he helped build in the years leading up to 2016. He’s positioning himself as the inheritor of a powerful political force.
What sets Bannon’s strategy apart is its unconventional nature. He’s not planning a campaign of traditional rallies and hand-shaking. Instead, he’s building a movement centered around his “War Room” podcast – a digital nerve center for national-conservative populism.
The “War Room” has already proven its power, drawing hundreds of activists and movement leaders to events focused on issues like border security, cultural sovereignty, and the perceived threat of radical Islam. Recent relocations of the show, like the move to Texas, demonstrate a commitment to issue-driven mobilization.
Simultaneously, Bannon is applying pressure to potential Republican contenders for 2028, including figures like J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz. He’s publicly scrutinizing their ideologies, demanding unwavering commitment to “America First” principles.
The message is clear: any candidate perceived as weak on Big Tech, interventionist in foreign policy, or entangled in global affairs will face fierce opposition. This has rattled the GOP establishment, which hoped the populist wave might subside after Trump’s departure.
Bannon views the stakes as nothing less than civilizational. He frames the coming years as a battle between national sovereignty and a global elite he believes has eroded the American middle class. This isn’t about politics; it’s about a fundamental struggle for the future of the nation.
Whether or not Bannon ultimately runs for office, his influence is already reshaping the political landscape. Candidates will be forced to address the demands of the movement, not just the desires of their donors. The power dynamic is shifting.
Despite being often dismissed by mainstream media as a fringe figure, Bannon is operating as a powerful force, shaping ideology, enforcing boundaries, and preparing for a future where “Trumpism” endures, even beyond Trump himself. He’s a power broker, quietly but effectively wielding influence.
The 2028 election may not be about Steve Bannon the candidate. It could be about Steve Bannon ensuring that “America First” remains the only viable path forward for the Republican Party – and, in his view, for the country itself.
