Steve Bannon release/ Bannon prison sentence/ Trump ally released/ Bannon contempt conviction/ border wall fraud charges/ Newslooks/ DANBURY/ Conn./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Steve Bannon, longtime Trump ally, was released from prison Tuesday after serving a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress related to the January 6 investigation. Bannon, who has consistently criticized the charges, is set to address the media in New York and resume his podcast. He still faces upcoming charges for alleged fraud related to a border wall fundraising campaign.
Key Details on Steve Bannon’s Release from Prison: Quick Look
- Release: Bannon completed a four-month contempt sentence for defying a congressional subpoena.
- Upcoming Remarks: Plans a press conference and podcast return in Manhattan.
- Legal Appeals: Seeks a full court appeal, challenging the validity of the congressional subpoena.
- Additional Charges: Awaits trial on fraud charges related to a border wall campaign.
Trump Ally Steve Bannon Out of Prison, Plans to Resume Political Activities
Deep Look
Steve Bannon, a prominent Trump ally, was released Tuesday morning after serving a four-month sentence for defying a congressional subpoena linked to the January 6 Capitol attack investigation. Bannon, 70, was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, where he began serving his sentence on July 1. His release follows months of appeals and public statements condemning the charges as politically motivated.
Kristie Breshears, spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons, confirmed Bannon’s release. He is scheduled to hold a press conference in Manhattan later today and plans to resume his podcast. Bannon initially sought a delay on his prison sentence, appealing to the Supreme Court, which ultimately declined his request. Throughout the case, he has remained defiant, labeling himself a “political prisoner” and accusing the Justice Department of corruption.
Bannon was convicted in 2022 on two counts of contempt of Congress: one for refusing to sit for a deposition before the January 6 House Committee and the other for failing to provide requested documents. The committee sought details on his involvement in former President Donald Trump’s efforts to contest the 2020 election results, which saw Joe Biden victorious.
During his sentencing, Bannon criticized both Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Justice Department. “I am proud of going to prison,” he said, claiming that his refusal to comply with the subpoena was a stance against what he described as a “corrupt” administration.
Bannon’s legal team argued that the congressional subpoena was invalid due to Trump’s assertion of executive privilege. However, prosecutors countered that Bannon had not been a White House employee since 2017 and that Trump had not officially invoked executive privilege in the matter.
Although a federal appeals court upheld his convictions in May, Bannon’s legal team has requested a review by the full appeals court to contest the rulings further. If the court grants this appeal, it could set a new legal precedent for congressional subpoena powers.
In addition to his recent conviction, Bannon faces separate criminal charges in New York state court. Prosecutors allege that he defrauded donors who contributed funds to a campaign to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. In this case, Bannon has been charged with money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud, and he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A trial date has been set for December, marking the latest in a series of legal battles for the former Trump strategist.
Bannon’s release comes just a week before the 2024 presidential election, in which Trump, the Republican nominee, is competing against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. While his recent prison stint may have sidelined him temporarily, Bannon’s planned press conference and return to his podcast indicate he is eager to re-enter the political arena.
