Is Bannon Back In Trump’s Good Graces As Russia Crisis Looms?
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As the Russia investigation closes in on senior aides of President Trump – including ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn – chief strategist Steve Bannon is re-emerging as the administration’s majordomo.
Unidentified sources told the Axios newsletter that Bannon has been tapped by the president as a “wartime consigliere” eager to do battle with the “deep state” – as represented by the media and congressional Democrats.
Bannon, along with chief of staff Reince Preibus and senior adviser Jared Kushner, is leading an informal “war room” within the White House intended to stave off the Russia allegations and battle leaks from within the administration and executive agencies.
It’s a big step back from the brink for him, after in which Bannon was on the outs with President Trump due to his skirmishes with Kushner.
But not everyone is so confident he’s the man of hour. Trump confidant Roger Stone told Axios Bannon would make the administration’s problems worse, not better.
“Steve doesn’t do anything. I question his competence. I don’t question his intelligence… the man has no political accomplishments.”
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at solomon@forward.com or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
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