Steve Bannon Tries to Clear Up his Image

Steve Bannon, the chief strategist for President-elect Donald Trump, faced heavy criticism last week, with many calling him an alt-right white nationalist–a label he denied in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

In the interview, Bannon said:

I’m an economic nationalist. I am an America first guy. And I have admired nationalist movements throughout the world, have said repeatedly strong nations make great neighbors. I’ve also said repeatedly that the ethno-nationalist movement, prominent in Europe, will change over time. I’ve never been a supporter of ethno-nationalism.

Despite his denial, Twitter exploded as many suggested that the former Breitbart executive should accept the title.

Steve Bannon is a WHITE NATIONALIST. Call him one. He’s earned it. https://t.co/FY0kaHUAfM

— Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) November 20, 2016

STEVE BANNON IS A WHITE NATIONALIST
STEVE BANNON IS A WHITE NATIONALIST
STEVE BANNON IS A WHITE NATIONALIST

— DigitalBridget (@BridgetMarie) November 14, 2016

Bannon said the political attacks against him and Breitbart News are “just nonsense.” According to CNN, Bannon has been associated with Breitbart since 2007.

Breitbart was vehemently pro-Trump throughout his presidential campaign. Described by The Wall Street Journal as an “attack machine against Democrats and ‘establishment’ conservatives,” the site has faced criticism for pushing conspiracy theories and for articles that have been labeled racist, sexist, and anti-Semitic.

Bannon dismissed the alt-right’s appeal to racists as a mere coincidence in an interview with Mother Jones.

“Look, are there some people that are white nationalists that are attracted to some of the philosophies of the alt-right? Maybe,” he said. “Are there some people that are anti-Semitic that are attracted? Maybe. Right? Maybe some people are attracted to the alt-right that are homophobes, right? But that’s just like, there are certain elements of the progressive left and the hard left that attract certain elements.”

Like Trump, Bannon has criticized establishment politicians and the GOP. In the wake of the election, he plans to usher in a “new political movement,” one that he hopes could allow the GOP to hold its reign over the government for some 50 years.

President-elect Trump will assume office on January 20, and in the meantime, he continues to fill his future cabinet.

Bryan White

Bryan is an editorial intern at Law Street Media from Stratford, NJ. He is a sophomore at American University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. When he is not reading up on the news, you can find him curled up with an iced chai and a good book. Contact Bryan at BWhite@LawStreetMedia.com.