Conservative strategist Steve Bannon is sounding the alarm—and it’s not about the Democrats this time. On Wednesday, Bannon blasted House Republicans for staying silent as left-wing lawmakers attacked President Trump’s budget bill on the House floor.
Where Were the Republicans?
While Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) loudly criticized the legislation as a “deal with the devil,” Republican lawmakers were noticeably absent. Bannon, speaking on his War Room podcast, was stunned by the lack of GOP voices defending what Trump has called his “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
“They have no Republicans over there,” Bannon said in disbelief. “This is the 2026 midterms playing out—and Republicans are hiding.”
Trump’s Plan: Growth Over Government
The Trump-backed budget plan passed the Senate on Tuesday and is now awaiting a critical House vote. The bill shortens the open enrollment period for Obamacare, raises cost-sharing caps, and includes spending cuts that Democrats claim hurt working families.
But Trump and his allies argue the bill is all about long-term economic growth, reducing federal waste, and bringing back American jobs—a message Bannon believes Republicans should be shouting from the rooftops.
GOP Infighting Over Spending and Deficit
Not all Republicans are united. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) have voiced opposition, citing concerns about deficit spending and the rising national debt. But Bannon says the bigger issue is messaging.
“Defending spending cuts isn’t enough. You have to go on offense,” Bannon warned. “President Trump taught us how to fight. Republicans need to remember that.”
Democrats Dominate the Narrative
As Democrats blasted the bill, one of the few Republicans to rise in defense was Rep. Mark Alford (R-TX). He stood proudly beside a poster of Trump surrounded by fireworks and the American flag, urging passage of the legislation.
That drew a snide remark from Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), who mockingly asked, “Cult much?”—a typical leftist jab at patriotic symbolism.
Bannon’s Message: Stand Up or Lose in 2026
Bannon made it clear: Republicans can’t afford to “go into hiding” while Democrats own the conversation.
“You’re hearing the pitch that will carry Democrats to 2026,” Bannon said. “Unless the GOP wakes up and sells this bill as a tool for American prosperity, they’ll lose ground.”