Steve Bannon accused Fox News and the Bush administration of misleading the American public about the Middle East, claiming their misinformation contributed to unnecessary U.S. troop deployments and prolonged military conflicts.
At a Glance
- Steve Bannon blamed Fox News and George W. Bush for misleading Americans into supporting long-term military intervention in Iraq
- Bannon called Fox’s coverage “bald-faced lies” and linked it to ongoing U.S. troop presence in the Middle East
- The remarks mark a growing divide between populist conservatives and establishment conservative media
- Social media reactions highlight skepticism toward both Bannon and Fox News
- The incident reignites debate over media responsibility in shaping foreign policy
“Bald-Faced Lies”: Bannon’s War on Fox
During a recent episode of his podcast, Bannon blasted Fox News for broadcasting what he called “bald-faced lies” in support of U.S. involvement in Iraq and other Middle Eastern conflicts. “Why are our kids still over there? Because Fox News … lied to us,” he said, underscoring his belief that both the network and the Bush administration pushed false narratives that influenced public opinion and foreign policy.
Bannon’s critique reflects a shift among nationalist conservatives who no longer see Fox News as a trustworthy outlet, particularly on issues of war and global interventionism.
Watch a report: Steve Bannon calls out Fox for ‘bald-faced lies’ on Iraq
Conservative Backlash—or Fracture?
Reactions across social media were swift and divided. On X, one user remarked, “If Bannon is accusing Fox of lies, it must mean they weren’t his brand of lies,” hinting at deepening skepticism within conservative circles about who is controlling the narrative.
Bannon’s comments add to ongoing right-wing critiques of Fox, joining voices like Tucker Carlson and other ex-Fox hosts who argue the network has grown out of touch with grassroots conservatives.
Why It Matters
Bannon’s remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny over legacy media’s role in war messaging. With U.S. troop levels fluctuating and debates over Middle East policy ongoing, his statements may rally a populist base increasingly distrustful of traditional outlets.
The tension also signals potential political consequences as conservative media realigns—fracturing between anti-war populists and pro-establishment voices. Whether this drives broader accountability or just deeper division remains to be seen.
