In the world of politics, alliances and friendships can often change quickly. This has been evident in the relationship between former White House strategist Steve Bannon and former President Donald Trump. Once a close confidant and advisor, Bannon has now become a staunch ally of the ex-president, despite previously warning of the potential dangers of Trump’s leadership.
It was back in 2016 when Bannon, then the executive chairman of Breitbart News, first met Trump. The two quickly formed a bond and Bannon joined Trump’s campaign as CEO. He was later appointed as White House chief strategist, a role he held until August 2017. During this time, Bannon was known for his hard-line conservative views and was seen as one of Trump’s most influential advisors.
However, even during his time in the White House, Bannon was not afraid to speak his mind. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter in November 2016, Bannon warned that Trump could become “America’s Hitler” if he did not change his approach. He expressed concern over Trump’s divisive rhetoric and urged him to focus on bringing the country together.
This warning did not go unnoticed, and many saw it as a sign of Bannon’s growing influence over Trump. But as time went on, it became clear that Bannon’s influence was waning. In August 2017, he was forced to resign from his position in the White House, and his relationship with Trump seemed to be strained.
Fast forward to the present day, and the dynamics of their relationship have completely shifted. Bannon has become one of Trump’s most vocal and loyal supporters, despite their previous differences. He has been a frequent guest on conservative media outlets, defending Trump and his policies.
So, what caused this change in Bannon’s attitude towards Trump? Some speculate that it was due to Bannon’s own political ambitions. In 2018, he founded the political group Citizens of the American Republic, with the goal of promoting Trump’s agenda and supporting his allies in the midterm elections. This move was seen as a way for Bannon to remain relevant in the political landscape and maintain his influence over Trump.
Others believe that Bannon’s support for Trump is genuine and stems from their shared beliefs and values. Both men are known for their nationalist and populist views, and Bannon has praised Trump for his efforts to put America first and protect American workers.
Whatever the reason may be, there is no denying that Bannon has become one of Trump’s most loyal allies. He has defended him against criticism and has even gone as far as to call him “the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln.”
But this alliance has not been without controversy. In August 2020, Bannon was arrested and charged with fraud for his involvement in a fundraising campaign to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. Despite this, Trump granted him a presidential pardon in January 2021, just before leaving office. This move further solidified their relationship and showed the extent of their loyalty to each other.
It is clear that Bannon’s warning of Trump becoming “America’s Hitler” is a thing of the past. He has now become one of Trump’s most trusted advisors and has shown unwavering support for the ex-president. This shift in their relationship serves as a reminder that in the world of politics, alliances can change quickly and unexpected friendships can form.
In conclusion, the once tense relationship between Steve Bannon and Donald Trump has evolved into a strong alliance. Bannon’s warning of Trump’s potential as “America’s Hitler” has been overshadowed by their shared beliefs and values. Whether it is for political gain or genuine support, Bannon’s loyalty to Trump has remained steadfast. Only time will tell what the future holds for this unlikely friendship, but for now, they stand united as allies.