It has already cost him a key backer after billionaire donor and Breitbart co-owner Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Mr Bannon. Mr Bannon's political appeal had been deeply tied to the perception that he was an ally of Mr Trump. On Thursday, Mr Gingrich echoed Mr Trump's charge that Mr Bannon had "lost his mind". Since leaving the White House, Mr Bannon has spent much of his time courting donors to help finance his self-declared war on the Republican establishment. Mr Trump coolly noted on Thursday that his full-throated counter-assault appeared to have its desired effect on Mr Bannon.

Source: Irish Independent January 05, 2018 06:22 UTC