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Steve Bannon Released from Prison After Contempt of Congress Sentence
On Tuesday, Steve Bannon, a former aide to the White House and a close associate of ex-President Trump, was released from prison after serving four months for contempt of Congress.
Bannon exited the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, as confirmed by Kristie Breshears, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of Prisons. His representatives have announced that he plans to hold a news conference later today in Manhattan and will also resume his “War Room” podcast.
Background on Legal Troubles
The 70-year-old was incarcerated in July following the Supreme Court’s denial of his request to postpone his sentence while appealing his conviction.
A jury found him guilty in 2022 on two counts of contempt: one for not complying with a deposition request from the January 6 House Committee and another for failing to provide documents related to Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn his defeat against Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
Bannon’s Perspective on Imprisonment
Upon entering prison, Bannon expressed pride about his situation during an interview with reporters. He referred to himself as a “political prisoner,” stating at a press conference alongside Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), “I am going to prison. I’m proud to go to prison… If this is what it takes to stand up against tyranny or confront what I see as corruption within the DOJ or political figures like Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden, then I am honored.”
Timing Before Election Day
Bannon’s release occurs just one week prior to Election Day when Trump aims for victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris as he seeks another term in office.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
A federal appeals court upheld Bannon’s convictions earlier this year in May; however, he is now petitioning for the full appeals court review of his case. His legal team contends that Trump’s assertion of executive privilege invalidated the congressional subpoena issued against him—though prosecutors argue that Trump had not invoked such privilege before Congress at any point since Bannon had left office long before these events unfolded.
Additonally, Bannon faces separate criminal charges in New York state court where prosecutors allege he misled donors who contributed funds intended for constructing a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. He has pleaded not guilty regarding charges including money laundering and conspiracy among others; trial proceedings are scheduled for December.
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