His remarks to Newsweek come after his appearance on California Governor Gavin Newsom's new podcast, This is Gavin Newsom, where the progressive Democrat found some common ground with the firebrand informal Trump advisor on issues ranging from manufacturing, corporate tax cuts to even certain tariffs.
Though he doesn't hold an official role in the second Trump administration, Bannon's imprimatur can be still be seen in the White House's "flood the zone" communications strategy. He remains a leading outside advocate for expanding grassroots MAGA support, which he promotes daily through his popular War Room podcast.
"I was shocked and pleased that the governor was on the same page," Bannon told Newsweek in a Wednesday interview just after their podcast conversation went live.
He said that the Democratic governor, who many suspect is preparing for a 2028 presidential run, "essentially embraced" economic populism—notable, Bannon said, given that "he comes from a state that's really at the forefront of globalization."
What Is Economic Populism, Exactly?
Economic populism, the way Bannon defines it, prioritizes the interests of the working and middle classes over those of "elites" and large corporations. It's a political framework that exists across the political spectrum, both in the U.S. and abroad, but takes different forms.
On the left, economic populists emphasize higher taxes on the wealthy, stronger labor protections, universal healthcare and expanded social welfare programs, as supported by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
On the right, it often centers on protectionist trade policies, resistance to globalization and significant immigration restrictions aimed at safeguarding domestic jobs—stances on which Bannon has remained steadfast through the years.
Bannon told Newsweek that his conversation with Newsom, which was cordial and included several moments of agreement with the Democratic governor, signals that members of the Democratic Party are beginning to move "much closer to MAGA."
For the full article, visit Newsweek.
