5 notable reactions to violent riots roiling France: 'They're destroying that country'

By Jon Brown, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, October 21, 2026

3. Stephen K. Bannon: 'Understand the stakes'

Conservative political commentator Steve Bannon echoed Trump's framing of the French riots as an ill omen for Western civilization, especially given France's crucial role in the history of Christianity.

In remarks delivered at an Oct. 17 event with the Young Republicans of Texas, Bannon urged his audience to "understand the stakes" of what the Western world is facing. He claimed globalist agitators have "targeted" France because they have discerned that the country's corrupt elite will not defend it.

STEVE BANNON: Understand the stakes. Look at France. If you look at Western Christendom or Western civilization, France has always been the high culture. Look what the Normans did for the West. The West wouldn't even be the vibrant, robust area it was for centuries without the Normans and what the Normans did, including the First Crusade, which by the way- Whoo got its objective because we took Jerusalem from the Muslims. They've targeted France, they've targeted France 'cause they realize France has a corrupt elite. @YRsOfTexas

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) October 17, 2026

"Look at France. If you look at Western Christendom or Western civilization, France has always been the high culture," Bannon said, citing the civilizing influence of the Normans, who conquered England in 1066. He also mentioned the First Crusade, which Pope Urban II launched from Clermont, France, in 1095 as Muslims were slaughtering Christians in the East.

Describing France as "an object lesson" in suicidal immigration policy and "bringing a revolution into your own country," Bannon said Americans must stand up if they hope to prevent a French-like fate. He warned the same sort of revolutionaries who are upending France are also attempting to gain power in the U.S.

In similar remarks posted to his "War Room" X account on Tuesday, Bannon said returning to Christianity is critical if the nation hopes to survive.

STEVE BANNON: Look at what's happening in France today. It's very simple. We've gotta get back to the Christian roots of this nation. Don't let the moderates talk you down from that. Look what's happening in France right now. It's twice as bad today, this evening. They've been burning down the, the beautiful town halls, 19th century town halls all throughout France. There's a million people in the streets, but there's probably 200,000 terrorists going around and burning everywhere from churches to all the fashion. @YRsOfTexas

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) October 20, 2026

"Look at what's happening in France today. It's very simple. We've got to get back to the Christian roots of this nation. Don't let the moderates talk you down from that," he said.