Steve Bannon and the 2028 Speculation: Reality, Strategy, or Rebrand?
1. The Claim: What Did the Daily Mail Report?
On August 7, 2025, Daily Mail published a headline-grabbing piece asserting that “sources close to Steve Bannon and President Trump” revealed Bannon is “in the early stages of planning an audacious run for president in 2028.”www.abdpost.com Amerika'dan Haberler+1
Such reporting, Daily Mail style, often hinges on anonymous sources and bold language—prompting skepticism from those who recognize its propensity for sensational headlines.
2. Is There Corroboration in the Media?
To validate or contextualize the claim, we turn to more established outlets:
Politico (March 2025): Bannon did not rule out his own candidacy in 2028—but phrased it cautiously. “I think he's serious,” he said, referring to the possibility, without making any formal declaration.Politico
Newsweek (April 2025): Bannon projected that President Trump would run again in 2028 and insisted he's working on “many different alternatives” to enable a constitutionally dubious third term.Wikipedia+15Newsweek+15Newsweek+15
Business Insider (April 2025): A detailed profile described Bannon as “still-potent” politically, driving strategies—including "strategies to enable a constitutionally dubious third-term run in 2028”—as he maintains influence through his War Room platform.Business Insider
CPAC 2025 straw poll: Among potential Republican candidates for 2028, Bannon placed second with 12%, far behind Vice President JD Vance’s 61%.Business Insider+6Wikipedia+6New York Post+6
3. What Does Bannon Himself Say?
From these sources, a clearer picture emerges:
He has not ruled out a 2028 run—but also hasn't formally declared one.Politico
He has publicly and persistently advocated for Trump running again in 2028—even speaking of “five or six different alternatives” for making it a reality despite the two-term constitutional limit.Newsweek
On NewsNation, Bannon confirmed he's endorsed Trump—not himself—but asserted there are “couple of alternatives” to make a third Trump term viable.YouTube+7Fox 10 News+7KPTV+7
4. Constitutional Reality Check
The 22nd Amendment clearly states that “No person shall be elected to the office of President more than twice.” Bannon’s attempt to interpret it as only limiting consecutive terms has been ruled unsound by constitutional law experts.
Professor Anthony Michael Kreis of Georgia State University told Newsweek that Bannon’s interpretation is “not remotely debatable.”Politico+3Newsweek+3Newsweek+3
On a broader front, efforts like a proposed Article V convention—from which amendment ideas could flow—remain highly speculative and politically fraught.
5. Strategic Influencer or Candidate in Waiting?
Bannon’s profile suggests he may value influence over formal office:
A criminally convicted and controversially influential figure, Bannon continues shaping MAGA messaging through media and network tactics.Business InsiderYouTube+4Wikipedia+4Business Insider+4
His CPAC showing—second-highest among prospects, yet only 12%—reflects recognition but not widespread support for his own candidacy.New York Post
His public statements are consistent: he wants Trump to continue, is exploring constitutional workarounds, and is not stepping forward himself—at least not yet publicly.
6. So, Is Bannon Really Plotting a Run, or Is It a Rebrand?
The “Plotting Run” Narrative:
Headlined by Daily Mail, seemingly based on anonymous sources without independent confirmation.Business Insider
The “Signal-Crafting Strategist” Reality:
Bannon is a political operator, not typically running for office but shaping environments to keep Trump in the spotlight. His ambiguous statements generate strategic buzz.
The “Trump’s Orbiter, Not Competitor” Reality:
He emphasizes Trump’s third term—not his own. His media influence and ideological branding align with power-brokering more than candidacy.
7. Conclusion: Headlines vs. Reality
ElementAssessmentDaily Mail claim (Bannon planning run)Unverified, lacks mainstream corroborationBannon’s public postureNo formal run; consistently backs Trump/third-term pushMedia strategyBannon remains powerful behind the scenesConstitutional hurdles22nd Amendment prohibits a third term; Bannon exploring alternatives widely viewed as invalid
Final Thoughts
The Daily Mail headline makes for viral fodder—but the cumulative evidence suggests the story may be more about narrative shaping than a genuine, behind-the-scenes campaign launch. Bannon has long played the strategist’s role—pushing MAGA visions, defending Trump, and positioning himself as kingmaker rather than candidate.
Should this trend continue and more credible outlets confirm plotting movements, the story would warrant a serious political spotlight. For now, it's a firestorm of speculation, strategy, and sensationalism—hallmarks of Bannon’s enduring media presence.
By Rafael Benavente