[triceratops]

We're all familiar with the figurative meaning of "heads on pikes". This not a problem of reading comprehension or not understanding hyperbole or sarcasm. The problem is Bannon himself ruled out the figurative, hyperbolic meaning of the saying when he said it. Here's the complete quote:

"Second term kicks off with firing Wray, firing Fauci. Now I actually want to go a step farther...I’d actually like to go back to the old times of Tudor England, I’d put the heads on pikes".

So please explain to me. What does "heads on pikes" mean if the person who said it has discounted the "fire in disgrace" interpretation of the saying? This is a serious question. What do you think it really means, taking the entire quote into context?

(funnily this is a rare instance where a quote that sounds fine out of context takes on a sinister note when surrounding quotes are included)

EDIT: I see downvotes, but no answers to what I thought was a very simple question.