AG百家乐在线官网

Steve Bannon attacks George W Bush's 'destructive' presidency

Steve Bannon claims the former US president embarrassed himself by attacking Donald Trump's administration in a speech.

Steve Bannon
Image: Steve Bannon has hit out at George W Bush
Why you can trust Sky News

Donald Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon has attacked George W Bush - calling his presidency "destructive".

The ex-White House adviser also claimed the former US president has no idea whether "he is coming or going, just like it was when he was president".

The scathing remarks came after the Republican, who served two terms between 2000 and 2008, hit out at bigotry in American politics during the Trump era.

George W Bush
Image: The former president has criticised the current administration

earlier this week, Mr Bush warned the rise of "nativism", isolationism and conspiracy theories have clouded the country's true identity.

But Mr Bannon, speaking to a crowd at a California Republican Party convention in Orange County, said the 43rd president had embarrassed himself and did not know what he was talking about.

"There has never been a more destructive presidency than George Bush's," Mr Bannon said, with some in the crowd booing when the former president's name was mentioned.

Mr Bannon also attacked the Republican establishment in Washington, calling the "permanent political class" one of the great dangers faced by the country.

He went on to call for an "open revolt" against them.

More on Donald Trump

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Bannon: Bush presidency 'most destructive'

Mr Bannon also targeted Silicon Valley and its "lords of technology" - predicting tech leaders and progressives in California would try to break away from the union in 10 to 15 years.

He called the threat to split up the nation a "living problem".

A small group of protesters chanted and waved signs outside the hotel where Mr Bannon spoke - one of them brandishing a Nazi swastika.

Mr Bush, 71, had used his speech a few days ago to warn white supremacy and falsehoods were coarsening the tone of the US and threatening its democracy.

He said: "Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication."

Although he did not mention President Trump by name, Mr Bush was clearly criticising the current administration and its controversial policies.