Steve Bannon’s Border Wall Fundraising Trial Delayed, New Claims

Steve Bannon’s Border Wall Fundraising Trial Delayed, New Claims \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Steve Bannon’s trial on charges tied to the controversial “We Build The Wall” campaign has been rescheduled to February 25 due to expanded witness lists and new evidence. Prosecutors claim Bannon initially called the campaign a “scam” before joining and using it to funnel funds into his nonprofit, Citizens of the American Republic. The case centers on alleged misuse of donor funds, with Bannon denying all charges.

Steve Bannon’s Border Wall Fundraiser Trial: Quick Looks

• Trial Postponed: Originally set for December 9, jury selection now begins February 25.
• Key Allegation: Prosecutors claim Bannon misused wall campaign funds for personal gain.
• Early Doubts: Emails show Bannon initially referred to the campaign as “a scam.”
• Fundraising Success: The campaign raised over $20 million to build sections of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
• Fraudulent Activities: Funds were allegedly funneled to Bannon’s nonprofit COAR and campaign founder Brian Kolfage.
• Trump Pardon: Bannon was pardoned for related federal charges but now faces state prosecution.
• Defense Argument: Bannon’s lawyers maintain payments were legitimate compensation for services rendered.
• Prosecution’s Case: New evidence highlights Bannon’s role in directing campaign funds for debt relief.
• Witness Expansion: Both sides have added witnesses, including financial experts, leading to the delay.

Deep Look

Steve Bannon’s state trial over charges related to the “We Build The Wall” fundraising campaign has been rescheduled to February 25, following a request to expand witness lists and present new evidence. Prosecutors allege that Bannon, a prominent figure in conservative politics and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, manipulated the nonprofit campaign to benefit his personal and professional interests. Bannon denies the charges, calling the case “nonsense.”

The Origins of “We Build The Wall”

The fundraising campaign, launched in 2018, aimed to privately construct sections of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. It quickly gained traction, amassing over $20 million in donations from approximately 325,000 contributors. However, the campaign faced multiple challenges, including legal disputes with the International Boundary and Water Commission, logistical setbacks, and public criticism from then-President Trump.

Despite its struggles, the campaign managed to construct a few miles of fencing along the border. However, federal investigations soon revealed financial improprieties, leading to criminal charges against campaign founder Brian Kolfage and others involved, including Bannon.

Bannon’s Early Skepticism and Subsequent Involvement

In court on Monday, prosecutors revealed that Bannon initially expressed doubts about the campaign. An email presented as evidence showed Bannon referring to the initiative as “a scam,” writing, “You can’t build the wall for this much money. Poor Americans shouldn’t be using hard-earned money to chase something not doable.”

Despite his initial reservations, Bannon later joined the campaign, serving as chairman of its advisory board. Prosecutors argue that Bannon saw an opportunity to leverage the campaign for personal financial gain through his nonprofit, Citizens of the American Republic (COAR).

Misuse of Funds and Financial Dealings

Prosecutors allege that Bannon facilitated payments to Brian Kolfage, who had publicly pledged not to take any compensation from the campaign. However, Kolfage secretly received hundreds of thousands of dollars, with $140,000 funneled through Bannon’s organization.

Kolfage eventually pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced to prison. Court filings reveal that COAR also received significant funds from the wall campaign during a period when the nonprofit was grappling with a $612,000 credit card debt.

In one email cited by prosecutors, Bannon wrote to an associate in February 2019: “How much cash do we have??? We need more cash from the wall.” Prosecutors argue that these transactions demonstrate Bannon’s motive to participate in the alleged scheme, as supporting Kolfage’s compensation ultimately benefited Bannon’s nonprofit.

Defense’s Response

Bannon’s legal team has dismissed the allegations, arguing that COAR was entitled to the funds it received for legitimate work performed for the campaign. Defense lawyer John Carman asserted that the credit card debt was irrelevant to the case, accusing prosecutors of trying to tarnish Bannon’s reputation in front of the jury.

“They’re trying to make him look shady with the AmEx bill,” Carman said, arguing that financial records are being misrepresented to suggest impropriety. However, Judge April Newbauer ruled that the evidence could be presented at trial, prompting Bannon’s team to seek a financial expert to address the claims.

Trial Postponement and Prosecution’s Strategy

The trial, originally set to begin on December 9, was delayed to February 25 to accommodate expanded witness lists from both the prosecution and defense. Prosecutors have also requested an anonymous jury, citing concerns about the high-profile nature of the case and the potential for undue influence.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Levinson contends that Bannon’s participation in the scheme was driven by personal financial interests, highlighting the flow of campaign funds through COAR as a critical element of the case. “Helping to pay Kolfage’s salary ultimately helped the defendant personally,” Levinson said in court.

Bannon’s Legal History and Political Context

This case is not Bannon’s first brush with the law. He was previously charged in a federal case related to the same campaign but was pardoned by Trump before the trial could proceed. However, state charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg have allowed the case to move forward.

Bannon also recently completed a prison sentence for contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with a subpoena in the January 6 Capitol attack investigation. Labeling himself a “political prisoner,” Bannon is currently appealing that conviction.

Broader Implications

The “We Build The Wall” trial highlights broader concerns about transparency and accountability in political fundraising campaigns. Prosecutors have focused on Bannon’s shifting role—from initially dismissing the campaign to actively participating in and benefiting from its operations—as emblematic of ethical lapses in nonprofit leadership.

The case also underscores the complexities of political and financial entanglements, particularly among high-profile figures like Bannon. With the trial now scheduled for February, it will undoubtedly draw significant public and media scrutiny, further fueling debates over the intersection of politics, money, and ethics.

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