In the shadowy corridors of right-wing strategy, Steve Bannon has long been a mastermind of disruption. From his role as a chief architect of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to his influence on far-right movements across Europe, Bannon has consistently sought to dismantle democratic norms and replace them with authoritarian, nationalist regimes. Now, his sights are set on a new target: the Democratic Party, and his influence is already being felt in the unlikeliest of places—California, under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Bannon’s playbook is not new, but it is insidious. His strategy involves co-opting the language of populism, exploiting class/religious/ethnic divisions within political systems, and aligning with opportunistic leaders to push a palingenetic ultranationalist agenda. In Europe, he successfully bolstered far-right parties like France’s National Rally and the fascist Brothers of Italy party, normalizing xenophobia and anti-democratic rhetoric. In the United States, he transformed the Republican Party into a vehicle for Trumpism, a movement defined by its disdain for democratic institutions, its embrace of conspiracy theories, and its authoritarian tendencies.
Now, Bannon appears to be testing the waters within the Democratic Party, and California—a bastion of progressive politics. Governor Gavin Newsom, a rising star in the Democratic Party, has recently shown signs of adopting rhetoric and policies that align uncomfortably closely with Bannon’s vision. While Newsom once positioned himself as a progressive leader, his recent moves (such as endorsing anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech alongside Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk) suggest a troubling openness to Bannon’s brand of reactionary nationalism, which prioritizes polarization over unity and power over principle.
The Bannon-Newsom Connection
In a move that has raised eyebrows among progressive circles, California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom,” exclusively featuring discussions with prominent conservative figures, including Steve Bannon. This initiative aims to emulate the success of conservative media platforms by fostering transparent dialogues and challenging opposing viewpoints. However, this strategy has sparked concerns about the potential infiltration of far-right ideologies into Democratic politics, reminiscent of Bannon's previous influence on European and Republican landscapes.
Governor Newsom's decision to engage with MAGA figureheads like Charlie Kirk, Michael Savage, and now Steve Bannon raises critical questions about the potential normalization of extremist ideologies within the Democratic Party. While fostering dialogue is essential in a democratic society, providing a platform to individuals who have actively promoted divisive and anti-democratic views risks legitimizing those perspectives. Bannon's strategy has often involved co-opting populist sentiments to advance a far-right agenda, as seen in his support for European nationalist movements and his role in reshaping the Republican Party's platform.
The danger lies in the subtle shift of political discourse. By engaging with Bannon, there is a risk that Democratic politics could gradually absorb elements of his ideology, leading to a drift towards authoritarianism and xenophobia. This tactic mirrors Bannon's previous endeavors, where he capitalized on economic and social grievances to promote a pro-fascist agenda under the guise of populism.
Progressives must remain vigilant against such infiltration. While open dialogue is a cornerstone of democracy, it is imperative to critically assess the intentions and potential consequences of engaging with figures like Bannon. The Democratic Party should focus on promoting inclusive and equitable policies without compromising its core values by inadvertently providing a platform for extremist ideologies.
Bannon’s influence on Newsom is not overt, but it is unmistakable. Through intermediaries and aligned interests, Bannon has been quietly shaping the narrative around key issues in California, from homelessness to crime to immigration.
For example, Bannon has long advocated for a focus on “law and order” as a wedge issue, a tactic he used to great effect in Trump’s 2016 campaign. Newsom, facing pressure from conservatives and moderates in California, has recently embraced tougher rhetoric on crime, including supporting measures that critics argue disproportionately target marginalized communities. This shift mirrors Bannon’s strategy of using fear and division to consolidate power.
Similarly, Bannon has pushed for a nationalist approach to economic policy, one that prioritizes American interests at the expense of global cooperation. Newsom’s recent emphasis on “California exceptionalism” and his willingness to position the state as a rival to the federal government on issues like climate change and trade echo Bannon’s vision of a fragmented, ultranationalist world order.
The Danger to Democracy
The danger of Bannon’s influence on Newsom—and by extension, the Democratic Party—cannot be overstated. Bannon’s ultimate goal is not to reform the Democratic Party, but to destroy it as a force for progressive change. By pushing Democrats toward policies and rhetoric that alienate their base and undermine their values, Bannon hopes to create a political vacuum that can be filled by authoritarian leaders.
This strategy has already proven devastatingly effective in Europe, where Bannon’s efforts to unite far-right parties under a single banner have led to the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarian governments. In the United States, his influence on the Republican Party has transformed it into a vehicle for Trumpism.
If Bannon and his allies like Charlie Kirk succeed in infiltrating the Democratic Party, the consequences could be catastrophic. A Democratic Party that embraces white supremacy, nationalism, and authoritarianism would not only betray its own values but also pave the way for a future in which fascism becomes the dominant political force in the United States.
Resisting Bannon’s Vision
The fight against Bannon’s influence must begin with a clear-eyed understanding of his tactics and goals. Those of us who support democracy must reject the politics of division and fear, and instead embrace a vision of politics rooted in solidarity, justice, and equity. This means holding leaders like Newsom accountable when they adopt rhetoric or policies that align with Bannon’s agenda, and building a movement that is resilient enough to withstand the allure of authoritarianism.
Bannon’s vision for the future is one of chaos and oppression. But it is not inevitable.
The stakes could not be higher. The fight for the soul of the Democratic Party is not just a political battle; it is a battle for the future of democracy itself. And it is a battle we cannot afford to lose.
