Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump, sharply criticized several of Trump’s allies within the Department of Justice, claiming they are moving too slowly in carrying out Trump’s agenda against his political opponents.
Bannon appeared on “The Tucker Carlson Interview” on Wednesday to discuss what he called Trump’s mission to “save the Republic.” During the conversation, he named several top officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, urging them to act more quickly.
“I love Kash and I love Dan Bongino. Kash is like a brother to me,” Bannon said. “But they’re two guys hanging on by their fingernails. The same with Pam and [Deputy Attorney General] Todd Blanche.”
Bannon argued that the Justice Department under Trump’s leadership has failed to move fast enough in prosecuting individuals involved in key political controversies. He specifically criticized the pace of investigations into plain-clothes police officers accused of inciting unrest during the January 6 insurrection.
He also expressed frustration that the department has not yet taken decisive action to remove or prosecute lawyers connected to “Crossfire Hurricane,” the FBI’s 2016 investigation into Trump’s campaign and alleged ties to Russia. The inquiry, long criticized by Trump and his supporters, remains a focal point for many in Trump’s orbit who see it as evidence of political bias within the federal government.
“This is why I say we need 25-30 more prosecutors,” Bannon said. “You gotta get on with it.” Bannon’s remarks come as Trump and his inner circle continue to frame his legal and political battles as a broader fight against what they describe as a corrupt establishment.
His comments reflect growing impatience among some of Trump’s most vocal allies, who believe the Justice Department is not moving aggressively enough to hold Trump’s perceived enemies accountable. While Bannon’s criticism underscores divisions within Trump’s own circle, it also highlights the pressure facing officials tasked with executing Trump’s directives.
As the 2024 election season intensifies, allies like Bannon are signaling that they expect more visible results from those now leading the Justice Department under Trump’s renewed influence. The comments add another layer of tension to an already charged political environment, as Trump’s supporters push for faster, more forceful action and his critics warn of the dangers of politicizing federal law enforcement.