Steve Bannon: AI leaders "tried to cover up the danger"
Political strategist; former White House Chief Strategist
“They tried to cover up the danger... what they want is to socialize all the risk [while keeping the] upside... What they're trying to do now with this whole phony, "Oh, we really should have some controls," all they're trying to do is to use a crisis and turn it to their advantage by creating a moat, a cartel.”
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
Live-blog coverage of the Sept. 15, 2026 "Pro-Human Assembly" where Bannon and Sanders both spoke; fullest account of Bannon's remarks, independently corroborated by CBS News, 10News, Washington Times, and BBC.
Before the quotation
Speaking at the "Pro-Human Assembly" conference in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2026.
After the quotation
Bannon spoke alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders at the "Pro-Human Assembly" in Washington, an unusual left-right pairing both calling for AI restraint.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Is Anthropic acting responsibly while advancing toward recursive self-improvement?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Bannon directly and sharply criticizes AI industry leaders' motives and conduct, alleging they concealed danger and are manufacturing a crisis to entrench a "cartel" — an express condemnation.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Anthropic

Is Anthropic acting responsibly while advancing toward recursive self-improvement?
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