How Liam Kennedy uncovers Steve Bannon’s mission to create an ‘Irish Trump’

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by The Irish Times, click this post to read the original article.

Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Donald Trump, has recently sparked controversy with comments about engineering a right-wing uprising in Ireland and creating an “Irish Trump.” While provocative, these ambitions reflect deeper issues tied to his Irish-American background. Bannon’s life story—moving from a working-class Irish Catholic upbringing in Virginia to becoming an architect of the MAGA movement—mirrors the political journey of many Irish Americans over the last several decades. Although he rarely discusses his heritage, Bannon identifies with traditional values of blue-collar Irish Catholic families who historically supported Democrats but have since shifted right.

You can see this political shift in how Irish Americans responded to upheavals from the 1960s onwards, particularly on issues like civil rights and immigration. As Irish Americans became more assimilated and middle-class, many moved away from their political roots. Figures like Bannon, Bill O’Reilly, and Pat Buchanan became prominent voices in the conservative movement, reflecting a populist nationalism that appeals to “real Americans.” Bannon has strategically tapped into this identity, referring to patriotic, working-class Irish Americans as crucial supporters of Trump’s agenda.

Interestingly, Bannon portrays contemporary Irish politics from afar through a nostalgic and often critical lens. He romanticizes the historical Irish fight for justice while criticizing modern Ireland as overly progressive and disconnected from its roots. This selective vision aligns with broader misunderstandings within the diaspora about present-day Ireland. In interviews and surveys, Irish Americans often view the homeland as either an ideal liberal refuge or a fallen society under threat, depending on their political stance.

These contrasting perceptions highlight a deeper rift between Irish America and Ireland today. Whether seen as a haven of social justice or a cautionary tale of liberal excess, Ireland becomes a symbol rather than a reality for Irish Americans wrestling with their identity. Bannon’s push for an “Irish Trump” and his promotion of figures like Conor McGregor reflect a desire to project American political battles onto Irish soil, driven more by sentiment and ideology than understanding.