Steve Bannon Blasts George W. Bush and GOP Establishment Over Alleged Trump Snub at Carter Funeral

Steve Bannon unleashed a fiery tirade against former President George W. Bush during his “War Room” podcast on Thursday, accusing him of snubbing President-elect Donald Trump at the funeral for former President Jimmy Carter.

Bannon criticized Bush, along with other former presidents, for allegedly refusing to shake Trump’s hand during the service. While social media buzzed about Trump and former President Barack Obama appearing cordial and engaged in conversation, Bannon claimed otherwise.

“No, Obama snubbed President Trump,” Bannon insisted, disputing the narrative that the two leaders had interacted warmly. Bannon did acknowledge that former Vice President Al Gore greeted Trump, contrasting him with Trump’s own former Vice President Mike Pence. “Pence ‘can’t commit to anything,’” Bannon mocked, referring to Pence’s hesitant demeanor.

“Looking back and forth at ‘Mother.’ Stand up. Gives him that weak, weak handshake. Dude, you gotta commit to action, Pence.” Bannon’s jab at Pence included a reference to Karen Pence, whom her husband affectionately calls “Mother.” Turning his ire toward Bush, Bannon launched into a broader critique, labeling him “the worst president in the history of the country.”

He cited a poll ranking modern presidents, claiming Bush was ranked just above James Buchanan. Bannon’s rant extended to Bush’s allies, particularly Republican strategist Karl Rove. “All Bushs and Bush-related people: You suck!” Bannon fumed. “You have no class. You’re bitter people. You’re Karl Rove. You’re a bitter little man.”

The podcast episode highlighted Bannon’s frustration with perceived slights against Trump by the political establishment, particularly figures tied to the Bush family. Bannon also criticized what he saw as hypocrisy in calls to respect institutions when, in his view, such respect was not afforded to Trump.

The incident underscores the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, as Trump allies like Bannon continue to rail against traditional conservative figures, including Bush-era leaders. For Bannon, the funeral served as another opportunity to draw lines between the MAGA movement and what he sees as the Republican establishment’s lack of loyalty to Trump.