MAGA Power Player Plots Surprise Presidential Run: Report

A founding architect of the MAGA movement appears to be positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential campaign, setting up what could become an explosive primary battle within the America First coalition.

Steve Bannon, one of President Donald Trump’s earliest and most influential advisors, has been privately discussing his presidential ambitions with close allies.

This is according to sources familiar with his thinking.

The former White House strategist believes he possesses the grassroots support necessary to mount a credible campaign for the Republican nomination in four years.

Bannon’s potential candidacy would create a direct confrontation with Vice President J.D. Vance, whom Trump and his inner circle view as the presumptive frontrunner for the 2028 nomination.

Sources close to Bannon reveal his unfiltered assessment of the vice president as a potential rival. 

“Love him… but Vance is not tough enough to run in 2028,” one person familiar with Bannon’s thinking stated regarding his view of Vance.

This criticism comes just days after President Trump suggested that Vance will “probably” secure the GOP nomination in 2028, highlighting the emerging tension within Trump’s political circle.

Bannon’s contemplation of a presidential run represents a significant shift from his previous public statements on the matter.

A Republican consultant who maintains close ties with Bannon indicated that while the former strategist has long speculated about seeking the presidency, he has only recently begun seriously considering the infrastructure necessary for such a campaign.

When approached by the Daily Mail for comment about his future political prospects, Bannon declined to respond directly to questions about a potential presidential bid. 

However, the MAGA power player addressed similar speculation in March, telling reporters, “I don’t think like a politician… all I do is back President Trump and try to move the populist agenda and the America First agenda.”

During that same exchange, Bannon characterized a question about running for president himself as “too absurd” but notably refused to rule out the possibility entirely.

The former White House advisor has maintained significant influence within conservative circles through his “War Room” podcast, which ranks among conservative media’s most popular programs.

The show regularly attracts major Washington power brokers to Bannon’s production studio, demonstrating his continued relevance in Republican politics despite serving only briefly in Trump’s first administration.

Early polling data suggests Bannon maintains substantial support within the conservative base that could translate into primary strength, per Trending Politics.

At February’s Conservative Political Action Conference, attendees selected Vance as their preferred 2028 candidate with 61 percent of the vote, but Bannon finished second with 12 percent support.

Bannon has claimed credit for helping elevate Vance to the 2024 Republican ticket, stating that he “pushed and propped him up” after the former Ohio senator had previously criticized Trump during his early political career.

“He created his image,” the source familiar with Bannon’s thinking said, referring to Bannon’s role in Vance’s political transformation.

After initial reports of his presidential considerations surfaced, Bannon quickly responded to the National Pulse with a succinct statement: “Trump 2028.”

The cryptic response leaves open multiple interpretations of Bannon’s intentions and his relationship with the current president’s succession plans.

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