Steve Bannon delivered a sharp rebuke of Senate Republicans on Wednesday, accusing members of his own party of working against President Donald Trump’s political movement and placing the interests of major donors ahead of the priorities of the American people.
Speaking on his WarRoom podcast, Bannon specifically targeted Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., after the Republican leader defended the reauthorization of key surveillance authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
The dispute highlights an increasingly visible divide within Republican ranks as lawmakers debate national security policies, government surveillance powers, immigration, and the future direction of the MAGA movement.
Bannon took issue with comments Thune made to reporters on Tuesday regarding the upcoming expiration of FISA authorities. Thune argued that renewing the surveillance program was essential to protecting the nation and preventing threats before they materialize.
“We have a saying around here that, if you don’t get national security right, the rest is just conversation,” Thune said.
The Senate leader continued by describing the pending FISA legislation as critical to keeping Americans safe. He argued that the program has played a significant role in preventing terrorist attacks and assisting law enforcement efforts against synthetic drug trafficking.
According to Thune, intelligence gathered through the Section 702 process has contributed to many of the drug enforcement successes reported in recent years. He warned that allowing the program to expire would create serious security concerns and noted that Democrats were resisting efforts to renew the authority before its scheduled expiration.
Bannon was unconvinced.
After watching footage of Thune’s remarks, he dismissed the Senate leader’s argument and accused him of relying on establishment talking points.
“Do not sit there and get all puffed up and tell me that you’re so worried about national security!” Bannon said.
The former Trump adviser argued that Senate Republicans are failing to address what he views as more pressing concerns, particularly illegal immigration and border security. He claimed that Thune and other Republican senators are not advancing the priorities that helped fuel Trump’s rise within the party.
According to Bannon, the Senate majority is not merely failing to support Trump’s agenda but is actively working against it.
“President Trump, you ought to tell him, hey, how about this? I’m going to work against it,” Bannon said while discussing Thune’s leadership.
Bannon went on to argue that Republican control of the Senate has not translated into meaningful action on issues important to the MAGA base. He accused party leaders of working against American sovereignty and against the broader political project that Trump has championed.
“You’re not doing anything,” Bannon said. “In fact, you’re working counter to the MAGA project. You’re working counter to the American people. You’re work counter to our sovereignty.”
The criticism reflects a broader frustration among some Trump allies who have increasingly questioned traditional national security arguments advanced by both parties in Washington. While supporters of surveillance programs argue they are necessary tools for combating terrorism and international threats, critics have frequently warned about government overreach and questioned whether expanding security powers ultimately addresses the challenges facing ordinary Americans.
Bannon reserved some of his strongest criticism for what he described as the influence of wealthy donors on Senate Republicans.
Later in the program, he claimed GOP lawmakers were more concerned about maintaining donor support than remaining aligned with Trump and his political base.
“They’d rather cross Trump than cross their donors,” Bannon said. “They’re preparing to take on the president because their donors say, ‘we got your back.’”
The remarks underscore continuing tensions within the Republican Party as lawmakers weigh competing visions of national security, governance, and the future of the MAGA movement.
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