“I’m Not Ruling Anything Out”: Steve Bannon Responds to Buzz Over 2028 Presidential Run

Washington, D.C. — Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist and longtime conservative media figure, has addressed swirling speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run. In a surprise turn during a recent radio interview, Bannon neither confirmed nor denied the idea—prompting a fresh wave of interest in what could become one of the most unorthodox campaigns in modern U.S. political history.

The buzz began after a report published earlier this week suggested that close allies of Bannon were “floating trial balloons” about a potential candidacy. The report, which cited unnamed sources from within conservative donor networks, claimed Bannon had “not dismissed” the idea when approached with it privately.

Bannon’s Reaction: “I’m Not Ruling Anything Out”

Speaking on his War Room broadcast on Tuesday, Bannon responded directly:

“Look, I’m focused right now on supporting President Trump and winning in 2026. But in politics, never say never. I’m not ruling anything out.”

He emphasized that the priority for now is ensuring the continued success of the populist-nationalist movement that began with Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and has expanded into a broader political realignment across the U.S.

Bannon added,

“I care about this country. I care about sovereignty, borders, and economic nationalism. If the time comes when leadership is needed beyond commentary and strategy, we’ll have that discussion then.”

The carefully worded remarks were enough to ignite speculation online and among political operatives, particularly those aligned with America First ideology.

A Campaign Like No Other?

If Bannon were to run in 2028, it would mark a highly unconventional bid. He has never held elected office and is best known as a political strategist, former Breitbart executive, and chief architect behind Trump’s 2016 victory.

Yet in the post-Trump Republican landscape, Bannon retains considerable influence. His War Room podcast remains a central hub for conservative grassroots organizing, particularly among election integrity activists and economic populists.

Political analysts say that while Bannon lacks traditional credentials, he commands a loyal and ideologically committed following—a potential springboard for a primary campaign aimed at energizing disaffected voters.

“He wouldn’t be running to please the RNC,” said a GOP strategist quoted by RealClearPolitics. “He’d be running as a wartime populist. It would completely upend the field.”

Legal Past, Political Future?

Of course, any presidential run by Steve Bannon would come with heavy political baggage. In 2022, he was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena related to the January 6 investigation. Bannon was sentenced to four months in prison but has continued to appeal.

Critics argue that his legal history disqualifies him from national office. However, Bannon and his supporters see these actions as part of a broader “weaponization” of the justice system against conservative voices.

“The regime hates dissenters,” Bannon said in a previous interview. “That’s why they come after Trump. That’s why they came after me. But I’m not afraid.”

According to constitutional experts, a contempt conviction does not bar someone from running for president.

What This Means for 2028

As of now, the Republican field for 2028 remains wide open. President Donald Trump, now serving his second term, is constitutionally barred from running again, creating a power vacuum within the GOP. While names like Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Kristi Noem continue to surface, Bannon's potential entry would inject ideological intensity unmatched by any other candidate.

Political commentator Glenn Greenwald noted on The Intercept:

“A Bannon candidacy wouldn’t be about winning in the traditional sense. It would be about resetting the narrative—challenging not just the Democrats, but the corporate Republicans.”

Whether this moment marks the beginning of a Bannon presidential run or merely a media cycle filled with speculation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: he’s not closing the door.