WASHINGTON — Steve Bannon, the former chief strategist to Donald Trump, has expressed caution about the United States' ongoing military support to Ukraine, likening potential entanglements to past U.S. involvements in Vietnam.

In an interview with POLITICO, Bannon voiced his concern that Trump, recently elected for a second term, could be pulled deeper into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in a manner similar to Richard Nixon's experience during the Vietnam War.

Bannon, known for his "War Room" podcast, is preparing for a political confrontation over U.S. intervention in Ukraine.

He advocates for halting military aid to Kyiv, citing worries that Trump may fall into a trap involving various interest groups, including the U.S. defense industry and European allies.

Bannon indicates that some of his allies, such as retired U.S. General Keith Kellogg, who is nominated as Trump's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, are pushing for continued military support to secure a diplomatic agreement with Moscow.

Kellogg supports the idea of maintaining military aid as a means to pressure Russia into accepting a solid security arrangement for Ukraine.

However, Bannon fears this approach could result in greater U.S. involvement in a conflict he deems unwinnable and not aligned with American interests.

He is lobbying Trump to announce an end to the war in his upcoming inauguration speech.

In his broadcasts, Bannon has been urging for a quick resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of immediate action.

Despite his alignment with Kellogg as an ally, Bannon remains firm that prolonging aid will expose the U.S. to unnecessary commitments.

Further, Bannon commented on potential shifts in U.S. governance during Trump’s second term, predicting a flurry of executive orders soon after inauguration covering diverse areas, including immigration and energy policies.

As a historical reference, Bannon compared the political atmosphere to that of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal era in 1932.

Bannon’s remarks also critiqued the current state of NATO and European defense capabilities, suggesting that NATO has largely become dependent on U.S. support.

He criticized European leaders for not investing adequately in their military defense efforts, implying confidence that NATO members do not perceive Russia as a significant threat despite ongoing conflicts.

The interview also touched on Bannon's geopolitical interests, notably in strategic areas such as the Arctic and Panama Canal.

He suggested that regions like Greenland and Panama are crucial for U.S. defense strategies.

Bannon's influence over Trump remains uncertain.

Despite past disagreements with Trump, Bannon continues to wield significant influence among certain supporter groups, known for organizing grassroots campaigns and maintaining political clout through his media presence.

Bannon's interactions with high-profile figures such as Elon Musk further illustrate his influence.

He acknowledges Musk's support for Trump in the recent election, noting Musk’s potential impact on European politics, though Bannon critiques Musk's stance on immigration and his current European political alliances.

In summary, Steve Bannon remains a pivotal, albeit divisive, figure within Trumpian politics, wielding significant influence and advocating for a nuanced approach to foreign aid and international policy as Trump embarks on a new presidential term.