By Trendsetter Tribune 
Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to President Donald Trump, is playing an increasingly visible role in Texas politics, pushing hard-right policies and endorsing candidates in pivotal upcoming elections.
Strategic Influence in Texas
Bannon has channeled his influence through his podcast, War Room, and public appearances to shape the political landscape in Texas, a key state for the MAGA movement.
- Endorsement of Ken Paxton: Bannon has strongly endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his competitive primary race against incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn. Bannon has described Paxton as “a symbol of the heart of the grassroots MAGA movement.”
- Border Policies: He has been a vocal proponent of aggressive border security measures, including the “We Build the Wall” project, which previously drew him into legal trouble before receiving a federal pardon.
- “Surround the Polls” Call: Bannon has urged supporters to “surround the polls come November,” a move critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have denounced as voter intimidation tactics. This call prompted the introduction of federal legislation designed to prevent the deployment of ICE agents at polling locations.
Legal Challenges
Despite his political activity, Bannon continues to face significant legal hurdles.
| Case | Status |
| New York State Charges | Currently facing trial in Manhattan for alleged fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy related to the “We Build the Wall” campaign. |
| Contempt of Congress | Recently, the Department of Justice moved to dismiss the federal criminal case against Bannon regarding his refusal to testify before the January 6 committee, citing “prosecutorial discretion.” |
Bannon has remained defiant, accusing the legal system of pursuing charges out of political animus.