Bannon memo claims Trump planned to promote McMaster and limit Afghanistan troop surge with Powell’s backing

Bannon memo claims Trump planned to promote McMaster and limit Afghanistan troop surge with Powell’s backing The passage outlines internal strategy discussions involving high‑level officials (Trump, Bannon, McMaster, Dina Powell, Jared and Ivanka Kushner) about troop levels in Afghanistan and a possible promotion for McMaster. It provides specific names and a timeline (expecting McMaster out by August) but lacks concrete evidence, dates, or financial details, making it a moderate‑strength lead that could merit further corroboration. Key insights: Bannon believed President Trump had promised to remove Secretary of State Mike McMaster by August.; Trump allegedly considered giving McMaster a fourth star and appointing him as top commander in Afghanistan.; Dina Powell is described as shaping a low‑troop‑count strategy (4‑7 k troops) and creating a PowerPoint for Trump.