In a fiery and focused conversation on One America News Network, former Rep. Matt Gaetz and Steve Bannon laid bare a battle that has been quietly raging beneath the surface of conservative media: the split between the “Israel First” crowd represented by Fox News’ Mark Levin, and the “America First” movement Bannon has long championed.
“The hardest job in the world for the last 48 hours has clearly been Mark Levin’s cardiologist,” Gaetz joked, after Levin launched an unhinged tirade against both him and Bannon. Bannon, however, remained composed and strategic in his response, using the moment to underscore the deeper ideological divide.
“This is not about personalities. It’s about priorities,” Bannon said. “The idea of putting Israel’s interests over America’s national security is unacceptable. That’s why I’ve long said Levin should be investigated as a possible foreign agent.”
Bannon’s position has been consistent for over a week and a half—since Israel’s escalation with Iran sparked renewed tension in the region. He has urged President Trump to stay the course with his America First agenda, the same strategy that delivered his historic 2016 victory. “President Trump obliterated the threat. The 12-day war is over. It’s time to pivot,” Bannon said.
He warned against being manipulated by the same war-hungry forces that sold America on disastrous foreign entanglements like Iraq. “Now they’re launching a massive manhunt for yellowcake—excuse me, I mean nuclear material. It’s the same playbook,” Bannon said mockingly, drawing a direct comparison to the false pretenses of the Iraq War.
Bannon, who helped architect Trump’s original America First doctrine, sees the renewed push for “regime change” in Iran as a ploy—not just against that country, but to protect Israel’s embattled leadership. “They don’t just want a forever war. They want regime change to prop up the Netanyahu regime,” Bannon declared. “But maybe the regime change we need is in Jerusalem.”
It’s a bold stance that cuts through political correctness and cable news talking points. While Bannon’s critics, like Levin, foam at the mouth and accuse him of betrayal, Bannon calmly exposes their lack of argument. “Levin doesn’t have an argument—just rage,” Bannon said. “He was Never Trump in 2016, and now he’s back to attacking Trump’s strongest supporters.”
The contrast is stark: Mark Levin, a corporate media figure, railing on Fox News in defense of foreign interests. Steve Bannon, a populist insurgent, holding the line on a movement grounded in American sovereignty.
This conflict isn’t just personal—it’s symbolic. As Bannon and Gaetz made clear, it reflects the broader split between establishment conservatism and the rising populist tide. The WarRoom audience and the America First base are unwavering: no more forever wars, no more foreign entanglements, and no more surrendering U.S. interests to foreign governments.
Bannon’s message is clear: America First isn’t going away. It’s growing. And the populist movement it fuels will keep reshaping politics—whether the Fox News crowd likes it or not.
For more of our coverage of the MAGA reset, dropping Israel First or engage with it- read: