WARREN, Mich. – Steve Bannon took the stage Wednesday at the Macomb County Republican Unity Dinner to a standing ovation and warm cheers.
The former White House chief strategist spent 40 minutes breaking down the accomplishments of President Donald Trump's campaign. He also talked about how Macomb County helped Trump win Michigan.
He then moved on to tell the packed Andiamo's restaurant crowd that the fight isn't over. Meanwhile, protesters outside were fighting against what they said Bannon stands for.
Bannon served as Trump's key adviser during the campaign and briefly as the White House chief strategist. He came back to Michigan to speak about the role Macomb County played in that victory.
"We had very much thought Michigan was in play, and our model showed we were doing better than we thought," Bannon said.
As he reminisced and rallied the Republican's inside, including the likes of attorney general Bill Schuette, a group of anti-Bannon demonstrators denounced the decision to bring him to the restaurant.
"He stands for bigotry and he stands for hate," a protester said.
"He should not be invited to raise funds in Macomb County," another person said.
"He wanted to shake up the political system so much," another person said. "Trying to instigate disorder. All he cares about is money for more rich people. He represents the 1 percent, and America got bamboozled by him."
But the people inside the restaurant disagreed.
"I think Bannon and Donald Trump are true Americans who are committed to the advancement of the USA," one person said.
Before leaving the dinner, Bannon told the crowd to keep pushing the Trump agenda ahead.
"This is going to get down to one thing: who can work harder," Bannon said.
You can watch his full speech below: