Bannon’s Warning to the GOP Over Epstein Controversy

On Friday, Steve Bannon, a former aide in the White House, suggested that the Republican Party might face significant losses in the House of Representatives come mid-2026, largely due to how the Trump administration handled issues surrounding the controversial figure Jeffrey Epstein.

Bannon mentioned, “We’re losing 10% of the MAGA movement. If we lose 10% of the MAGA movement right now, we’re not going to just lose 40 seats in 2026. We’re going to lose the president.” His comments, shared during a live session of the War Room podcast, seemed to highlight growing concern within GOP ranks.

This potential shift could have serious implications for Republican lawmakers who secured a majority in both chambers last November. Meanwhile, Democrats are gearing up to reclaim Senate positions in the upcoming election cycle, aiming to rebound from losses in 2024. Uncertainty stemming from the Epstein case, coupled with a backlash against the GOP’s recently promoted large spending initiatives, could complicate Republican messaging ahead of 2026.

“They don’t even have to steal it, because they’re going to sit there,” he added, though the context of this remark was a bit unclear.

His remarks came on the heels of a memo released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, confirming that Epstein did not keep a client list and that he died by suicide in a New York City prison in 2019.

Attorney General Pam Bondy defended these findings during a Cabinet meeting but faced criticism for indicating she had a list of names available for review, stating they were “sitting on her desk.” This, of course, only fueled speculation and skepticism.

Conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death continue to circulate, including claims that he was murdered. The DOJ released videos purportedly supporting their notes, but these have prompted skepticism.

Amid the turmoil, reports suggest that members of the Trump administration, including FBI Director Dan Bongino, were extremely frustrated with the situation surrounding the Epstein files, with some contemplating resignation.

Megan Kelly, a podcaster and former Fox News host, commented on this turmoil, mentioning that “They trusted her,” referring to Bondy, and added that they felt embarrassed by the information they shared regarding Epstein.

When asked about Epstein during a Cabinet meeting, Trump seemed dismissive. He responded to a reporter’s inquiry by exclaiming, “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy has been talked about for years.” He continued, emphasizing other pressing issues while downplaying the Epstein saga, calling it “incredible.”

For context, Epstein had pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct in 2008 and was indicted by federal authorities in 2019 for allegedly running a sex trafficking operation involving minors from 2002 to 2005.