Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon was released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, early Tuesday after serving a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress. Bannon was convicted in 2022 for refusing to cooperate with the Jan. 6 House Committee investigating the 2021 Capitol attack. His release comes after he reported to prison in July, following a failed bid to delay his sentence.
Bannon’s Next Steps: News Conference and Podcast Resumption
Bannon, 70, plans to hold a news conference in Manhattan later Tuesday and is expected to resume his podcast. Known for his defiant stance, Bannon had described himself as a “political prisoner” when he reported to prison, claiming he was standing up to what he labeled a “corrupt” Justice Department.
Appeal and Additional Legal Battles Ahead
While a federal appeals court upheld Bannon’s conviction in May, his legal team is seeking a rehearing, arguing the subpoena was invalid due to claimed executive privilege from Trump. Bannon also faces upcoming criminal charges in New York state, accused of defrauding donors who contributed to a private border wall project. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges, with a trial set for December.
Trump’s Return to the Spotlight
Bannon’s release comes as former President Donald Trump, who is running against Vice President Kamala Harris in next week’s election, seeks to regain the presidency. Trump has supported Bannon throughout his legal battles, but questions remain about Bannon’s continued involvement in Trump’s campaign strategies amidst his legal challenges.
