ROME (AP) — Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon declared Saturday that far-right "patriots" are the "new elite" of Europe as he brought his push for a trans-national, anti-European Union drive to Italy.

The ex-aide to U.S. President Donald Trump addressed a forum in Rome organized by a small far-right Italian opposition party.

Bannon was asked if there should be a new "elite" in growing, far-right populist movements.

His reply? The "new elite in this populist movement are the patriots" in society.

He heaped praised on populist leaders, pitting sovereignty movements against Brussels-based Euro...