Mr Bannon made clear he is launching a full-scale attack on US state department, where morale has been low for months amid a dearth of senior appointments and the impression among some staff that there are attempts to undermine its hand in policymaking and diplomacy. 
In his interview with The American Prospect, Mr Bannon said he was working to oust Susan Thornton, the respected career diplomat who has responsibility for China policy at state department, and replace her with hawks who take a hard line on China. 
On Thursday, the state department pushed back against suggestions of Ms Thornton’s removal.
“The secretary of state asked Susan Thornton to lead in a very important role and he continues to rely on her to lead the state department’s diplomacy in Asia,” a spokesperson said.
— Read on archive.is/auC9r

Bannon v Cohn