Steve Bannon, currently serving a four-month federal prison term for defying a congressional subpoena, will face a new trial in New York in December. He is accused of defrauding donors of the "We Build the Wall" campaign.
The forthcoming trial date is set for December 9, a postponement from its original date in September. Bannon, a former White House strategist under President Donald Trump, is serving his prison sentence in a Connecticut federal penitentiary, related to his refusal to cooperate with the investigation of the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack.
US News reported that Bannon’s release is expected in late October, just weeks before his new trial begins. Judge April Newbauer granted the additional time, citing the complexity of reviewing the necessary trial materials, which she described as “difficult to go over during counsel visits in prison.”
The New York trial will involve jury selection starting on December 9, with the testimony anticipated to last about a week. Bannon’s defense lawyers, John Carman and Joshua Kirshner, have not made any public statements regarding the case.
Prosecutors allege that Bannon and his associates fraudulently funneled over $100,000 to a co-founder of WeBuildTheWall Inc. for an undisclosed salary. This accusation directly contradicts the assurance given to contributors that every dollar donated would be allocated to the construction of a border wall.
Bannon has entered a not guilty plea against charges of money laundering and conspiracy. At a June 2019 fundraising event, he told supporters, “All the money you give goes to building the wall.”
The federal prosecution of Bannon was stopped following a presidential pardon by former President Trump. However, this pardon does not cover state-level charges, leading to the current New York proceedings. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, has taken up the case against Bannon, while the three other individuals involved continue to serve their federal sentences.
Bannon’s earlier conviction in 2022 for contempt of Congress arose from his refusal to cooperate with a House investigation into the Capitol insurrection. His legal team argued there was confusion regarding the dates for his compliance. Although an appeals court confirmed his conviction and the Supreme Court rejected his appeal.
Bannon began his prison sentence on July 1, declaring himself a “political prisoner” and criticizing Attorney General Merrick Garland. He made headlines during this time with these strong statements.
As his December trial approaches, Bannon's legal team is expected to continue preparations extensively. The case remains highly publicized due to its political implications and Bannon's prominent role in national politics.
Judge Newbauer’s decision to postpone the trial allows Bannon's legal team the necessary time to thoroughly review and prepare the case.
The judge highlighted the intricacies involved in going over the trial materials within the constraints of prison visits.
Allegations against Bannon include misleading donors and misusing raised funds, emphasizing the high stakes of the impending trial. While Bannon maintains that the charges are “nonsense,” the outcome of the trial could significantly impact his political and public standing.
A conviction in this state trial could add to Bannon’s existing legal troubles, creating further complications for the former Trump adviser.
The public and legal communities alike will be closely watching the developments of this case.
In December, Bannon will face a jury and legal scrutiny once more, underscoring the ongoing legal battles that have marred his post-White House career. This trial will serve as a pivotal moment in his continuing fight against the various allegations brought against him.
Steve Bannon, who is wrapping up a prison term for defying a congressional subpoena, is scheduled for a new trial in December in New York on charges related to the "We Build the Wall" campaign.
Prosecutors allege he defrauded donors by funneling over $100,000 to a co-founder for an undisclosed salary, despite promises that all donations would be used for building the border wall.
This trial follows his conviction for contempt of Congress, adding to his ongoing legal challenges. The trial postponement allows his legal team more time for preparation, setting the stage for a significant legal showdown in December.
