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In a somber warning following Democratic electoral victories in early November 2025, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon delivered an ominous message to fellow conservatives that quickly spread across social media platforms.
“As God is my witness, if we lose the midterms and we lose 2028, some in this room are going to prison, myself included,” Bannon told attendees at a Conservative Partnership Institute gathering on November 5, just one day after Democrats secured significant wins in New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.
Video evidence from Bannon’s verified social media accounts confirms he made these remarks. The Conservative Partnership Institute, where the speech took place, has been characterized by The New York Times as an “incubator” for Trump loyalists and a nerve center for right-wing political activity in Washington.
Bannon’s warning came during a broader address in which he urged conservatives to intensify their efforts following the recent Democratic victories. “They’re not going to stop. They’re getting more and more and more radical, and we have to counter that,” Bannon told the audience, adding that conservatives need “more action, more intense action, more urgency.”
While Bannon didn’t explicitly clarify what scenarios might lead to imprisonment, his comments appeared to suggest potential political persecution if Democrats maintain or increase their power. The former White House strategist emphasized the importance of codifying Trump’s executive orders through Congressional legislation to prevent them from being easily reversed by future administrations.
In the same speech, Bannon made even more alarming statements that were shared on his Instagram account: “If we don’t win, this country’s headed to a civil war,” he declared. “You see how radical they are? You see how they hate the United States of America and they hate American citizens?”
Bannon also repeated unsubstantiated claims about the 2020 presidential election, suggesting it was “stolen” and implying that China deliberately caused the COVID-19 pandemic to influence the election outcome. These claims echo conspiracy theories that have been repeatedly debunked by election officials and fact-checkers, with no evidence supporting allegations of systematic voter fraud in the 2020 election.
The inflammatory rhetoric comes at a time of heightened political tension in the United States, with both parties increasingly viewing the other as existential threats to democracy rather than legitimate political opposition.
Bannon’s personal legal troubles provide context to his concerns about imprisonment. Earlier in 2025, he pleaded guilty to fraud charges related to a scheme that allegedly swindled donors who gave money to build a wall along the southern U.S. border. Despite the guilty plea, his agreement with prosecutors allowed him to avoid jail time.
The former Trump advisor has long been a controversial figure in American politics. Critics have accused him of harboring white supremacist views, allegations that gained prominence during his tenure as White House chief strategist in the early months of the Trump administration and his previous leadership at Breitbart News.
Bannon’s warnings about imprisonment and civil war represent some of the most extreme rhetoric from a prominent conservative figure following the recent Democratic electoral victories. His comments highlight the deepening polarization in American politics and the high-stakes framing that increasingly characterizes political discourse ahead of future election cycles.
As the country looks toward upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race, Bannon’s remarks underscore how some in Trump’s orbit view electoral defeats not simply as political setbacks but as existential threats that could lead to personal consequences beyond the ballot box.
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10 Comments
Bannon’s remarks seem intended to stoke fear and division. While political tensions are high, I don’t believe imprisonment of political opponents is a realistic or acceptable outcome in a healthy democracy. We should focus on addressing real issues through civil discourse and the democratic process.
I agree, fear-mongering rhetoric is counterproductive. Maintaining faith in democratic institutions and processes is essential, even as we navigate challenging political divides.
Bannon’s warning is highly problematic and seems designed to sow discord. While political tensions are understandable, the idea of imprisoning political opponents is antithetical to democratic principles. We should focus on addressing real issues through constructive, fact-based dialogue.
I agree, this type of rhetoric is deeply concerning. We must remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions and the rule of law, even as we grapple with difficult political challenges.
This is a troubling and inflammatory statement from Bannon. While I understand political passions can run high, the notion of imprisoning political opponents is a dangerous path that undermines the foundations of democracy. We should strive for civil discourse and respect for democratic processes, regardless of party affiliation.
Well said. Preserving democratic norms and the peaceful transfer of power should be a priority for all citizens, regardless of their political leanings. We must be vigilant in defending these core principles.
This is a concerning statement from Bannon, though not surprising given his history of inflammatory rhetoric. I would urge caution in taking his claims at face value and encourage fact-checking from reliable sources. Maintaining the rule of law and peaceful transitions of power should be a priority for all.
Well said. It’s important to approach such claims with a critical eye and rely on authoritative, non-partisan information sources. Preserving democratic norms and the peaceful transfer of power is crucial, regardless of political affiliation.
This is a concerning warning from Steve Bannon. While I don’t agree with his rhetoric, it’s important to understand the political climate and the fears driving such statements. We should be vigilant about protecting democratic institutions and processes, regardless of party affiliation.
I appreciate you highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting democracy. It’s crucial that we have open, fact-based discussions about the political landscape, even when the rhetoric is charged.