Steve Bannon's role on the national security council was significantly influenced by the need to monitor Michael Flynn, who often clashed with other members of the security community. Flynn's volatile nature made it crucial for someone like Bannon to keep a close watch on him to prevent potential conflicts.

Flynn, depicted as a figure who held a commanding presence yet was impulsive and prone to creating tension, required guidance to navigate the complex dynamics of national security. This situational complexity highlighted the challenges within the council during that period.