Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist under President Donald Trump, has praised Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt, saying the reality star possesses the same 'superpower' as Trump. Bannon, 72, told NPR that Pratt is 'probably the most Trumpian candidate we've ever seen in terms of house style.'
Bannon's Endorsement of Pratt's Approach
Bannon highlighted Trump's ability to draw people into politics who typically despise the political arena. 'Trump's superpower was bringing in people into politics who hate politics, and that's what [Pratt] is doing online right now,' Bannon said. Pratt, known for his role on The Hills, has gained momentum by targeting incumbent Mayor Karen Bass for her handling of the Palisades Fire last year, which destroyed his own home.
Pratt's Campaign Strategy
Pratt has promoted AI-generated videos, including content depicting himself as a superhero taking on California politicians and the Hollywood elite. He frequently highlights high levels of drug use and rampant homelessness in LA, promising a three-week 'grace period' for criminals, drug users, and homeless people to leave the city. 'Pratt knows it's not politics, it's drama,' Bannon said. 'He's got a warrior mentality.'
The city will vote on June 2 for mayor, choosing between Pratt, Bass, and Nithya Raman. If no candidate secures more than 50 percent, a run-off will occur on November 3. A Republican has not held the LA mayor's office since 1997, and Bannon acknowledged the steep odds. 'Tell him I would endorse him, but I don't want to hurt his chances of winning in LA,' Bannon added.
AI Videos and Potential Backlash
In one AI video, Pratt is portrayed as a Batman-inspired vigilante throwing tomatoes at Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, with the message 'LA is worth saving.' However, Bannon cautioned against overusing such content. 'On the AI slop, he's one inch away from jumping the shark,' Bannon said. 'It can be effective, but it's starting to get tiresome, and it could backfire if you promote it too much.'
Trump's Comments and Opposition Reactions
President Trump was asked about Pratt at the US Coast Guard Academy commencement, saying, 'I'd like to see him do well. He's a character. I heard he's a big MAGA person. He's doing well.' Trump added that winning in California is 'very hard' because 'the elections are very dishonest.' A White House official said any endorsement would come directly from Trump on Truth Social.
Pratt's opponents used Trump's comments to link him to the former reality star. Alex Stack, a Bass campaign spokesman, said, 'No surprises here, both Trump and Pratt want ICE to invade our city and kidnap our neighbors.' Raman stated that Trump's comments showed he wanted 'a MAGA foothold in one of the most progressive cities in America.' She also criticized Pratt's AI videos, noting that 'Hollywood jobs are being devastated by AI, meanwhile Spencer Pratt is using his platform to promote AI-generated content amplifying the very technology replacing the workers he claims to care about.'
Pratt's Response and Political Stance
Pratt has attempted to distance himself from Trump despite comparisons. 'I represent all of Los Angeles,' Pratt told NBC LA. 'I don't have a campaign manager. I don't have campaign consultants. There's no political party backing me.' Pratt is a registered Republican, but the mayoral election is nonpartisan, meaning party labels do not appear on the ballot. He addressed his party registration in January, saying he registered as a Republican in 2020 and 'never changed it.' 'This is a non-partisan race - there will be no D or R next to my name. As Mayor, I will not serve either party,' he wrote on X.
Polling and Support
An Emerson College poll released last Wednesday showed Bass leading with 30 percent, Pratt at 22 percent, and Raman at 19 percent. Pratt's support surged 12 percentage points since March. He was also praised for his performance in a May 6 televised debate, with about 90 percent of viewers declaring him the winner, per an NBC LA poll. Actors, executives, musicians, podcasters, and political figures including Paris Hilton, Joe Rogan, Brody Jenner, and James Woods have backed Pratt.
