Friends in high places: No jail for Trump’s former advisor

Steve Bannon pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a fraud charge tied to a scheme that deceived donors who contributed to a private effort to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The former Trump adviser, who has slammed the case as “political persecution,” secured a plea deal that spares him from jail time.

Bannon admitted to one count of scheming to defraud, receiving a three-year conditional discharge, which means he must stay out of legal trouble to avoid further punishment. Leaving the courtroom, he told reporters, “Like a million bucks.”

Bannon Calls for Investigation Into Prosecutors

After the hearing, Bannon demanded that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi launch a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who pursued the case.

His attorney, Arthur Aidala, criticized the charges, calling them weak and insisting that Bannon “deserves credit” for wanting to fight.

Bannon Barred from Fundraising in New York

Under the plea agreement, Bannon is prohibited from fundraising for charities in New York or holding any fiduciary position in nonprofit organizations. He is also banned from using or selling donor data from the border wall campaign.

Bragg’s office celebrated the plea deal, stating it serves as a crucial step in protecting donors from fraudulent schemes. “New York has an important interest in rooting out fraud in our markets, our corporations, and our charities,” Bragg said.

Bannon’s Legal Battle Ends Before Trial

The trial was set to begin on March 4. However, Bannon’s plea deal preempted the courtroom showdown, which was expected to be aggressive. His legal team had planned to argue that the case was a politically motivated attack.

Bannon originally faced charges of money laundering, fraud, and conspiracy in September 2022. Prosecutors accused him of falsely promising that all donations to the “We Build the Wall” campaign would go toward construction, while funds were allegedly misused for personal gain.

Trump’s Pardon Didn’t Protect Bannon from State Charges

Bannon was initially indicted on federal charges in 2020, but President Donald Trump issued a pardon in his final hours in office, wiping away federal prosecution. However, Bragg’s office took up the case on a state level, where the presidential pardon did not apply.

Two other individuals involved in the scheme, Brian Kolfage and Andrew Badolato, pleaded guilty to federal charges and were sentenced to prison. A third man, Timothy Shea, was also convicted and jailed.

Bannon’s Ongoing Legal Woes

Bannon recently served four months in federal prison for defying a congressional subpoena related to the January 6 Capitol riot investigation. He was released in October.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Bondi has launched a “Weaponization Working Group” to investigate what she calls politically motivated cases, including Bragg’s pursuit of criminal charges against Trump.