Steve Bannon on Midterm Elections
TL;DR
Steve Bannon is strongly advocating for the deployment of ICE agents to surround polling places for the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Points
He explicitly stated on his podcast, "You're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November" in February 2026.
His call for ICE presence at polls is linked to the false claim that Democrats will steal the election again.
His position has been cited alongside the former president's desire to "nationalize voting," escalating concerns among election officials.
Summary
Steve Bannon, an influential figure closely tied to the current administration, has explicitly stated his intent for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to surround polling stations during the November midterm elections. He broadcast this position on his War Room podcast, framing the action as necessary to prevent the country from being stolen again, indicating a strong belief that election integrity is at stake and requires a federal, militarized presence at voting sites. His comments align with the former president's calls to nationalize voting and escalate concerns among election officials nationwide regarding potential interference in the state- and local-run electoral process.
The former White House strategist's stance on election security is tied to the unsubstantiated belief that widespread voter fraud, often involving non-citizens, occurs in elections. This narrative has fueled calls for federal oversight and personnel at polling locations, despite legal parameters often restricting law enforcement presence due to voter intimidation fears. The discussion surrounding federal agents at polls, including Bannon’s specific call for ICE, has prompted Democratic lawmakers to issue alerts and organize responses to safeguard polling places from perceived paramilitary disruption.
Key Quotes
“You're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November.”
“You have a massive lack of enthusiasm among the base because they're sitting there going, 'I'm just not feeling it right now.'”
Frequently Asked Questions
Steve Bannon's primary focus regarding the Midterm Elections has been to advocate for aggressive measures to 'secure' them, according to statements made on his podcast in early 2026. Specifically, he urged for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to surround polling places on Election Day. He presented this deployment as a necessary countermeasure against what he alleges would be a stolen election.
Yes, Steve Bannon stated publicly on his War Room podcast that ICE agents would surround the polls for the November midterms. He was quoted saying, "You're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November." These comments have raised concerns among election experts about potential voter intimidation.
Steve Bannon told his audience that his call for ICE presence was to ensure the election would not be stolen again by those he believes are trying to "steal the country." He made this statement in February 2026 while discussing the upcoming midterms. This sentiment aligns with the former president's unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in past elections.
Sources6
Steve Bannon says ICE will 'surround the polls' as Trump doubles down on taking over elections
Steve Bannon calls for immigration agents at polling sites during midterms
“Have ICE Surround the Polls”: Steve Bannon Adds to Fears Trump Will Disrupt Midterm Elections
White House Doesn't Rule Out Sending ICE to Polling Locations
Steve Bannon fires warning shot to Trump over midterms: 'There is a massive lack of enthusiasm among the base'
Americans are increasingly worried about voting, new poll shows
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.