Bannon Removed from the National Security Council

On Wednesday, Stephan Bannon, President Donald Trump’s chief strategist was removed from the National Security Council.

Previously, Trump decided to give Bannon access to high-level meetings. This resulted in some backlash.

Bannon was placed on the NSC’s “Principals Committee” to observe the former National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn with his directive to depoliticize the NCS, reported Fox News.  

However, removing Bannon from the NSC is not a demotion. Instead, he has accomplished what he intended to do.

“[Obama administration National Security Adviser] Susan Rice operationalized the NSC during the last administration,” said Bannon in a statement. “I was put on to ensure that it was de-operationalized. [National Security Adviser] General [H.R.] McMaster has returned the NSC to its proper function.”

Pence reassured that it was not a demotion.

“They are gonna continue to play important policy roles,” said Pence. He also said that it was “just a natural evolution to ensure the National Security Council is organized in a way that best serves the president in resolving and making those difficult decisions.”

Bannon only attended one meeting of the committee and then Flynn was fired from his role for lying to Vice President Mike Pence about his interactions with a Russian official. 

With the National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster as Flynn’s replacement, Bannon no longer has to keep an eye on Flynn. But, Bannon is still permitted to go to NSC meetings.

“The moves are a sign that McMaster is looking to put his own stamp on the National Security Council and rework some of the changes enacted by his ousted predecessor, Michael Flynn,” writes The Hill. “Trump administration officials said they wanted to shrink the size the council from its size under Rice, who was former President Obama’s national security adviser, and pare down its role.” 

Even though the White House has repeatedly said this is not a demotion, the liberal media outlets have said Bannon was “ousted” for not being qualified and from the tremendous backlash of being given such an important seat on the NSC.

“Wednesday’s reconfiguration also promotes the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats to “regular attendees.” Those roles had previously been downgraded,” writes Fox News. “CIA Director Mike Pompeo, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Energy Secretary Rick Perry were also added to the NSC.”

Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert also now has a reduced role, but he remains on the Principal Committee and can attend NSC meetings. He can also call a meeting with the Homeland Security Council.

Author’s note: This doesn’t seem like as big of a deal as the liberal media is making it. Bannon has already had a considerable impact on general policy and evidently, he already completed what he was tasked to do on the NSC. This efficiency should be celebrated, instead of assuming he is being demoted.