Pretrial Hearing Ahead of December Trial
Steve Bannon, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, is set to return to court this week for a pretrial conference ahead of his trial on criminal fraud charges. Bannon, 70, is accused of deceiving donors in a private fundraising campaign for the U.S.-Mexico border wall. The campaign raised over $15 million in 2019.
Bannon is scheduled to appear before Acting Justice April Newbauer on Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. EST. His trial is set to begin on December 9 in Manhattan, New York. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Fraud Allegations and Charges
Prosecutors allege that Bannon, alongside others, promised donors that all funds would be used to help build the border wall. However, it is claimed that he secretly diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars to Brian Kolfage, the campaign’s chief executive. Kolfage, a decorated Air Force veteran, had promised to take no salary.
Bannon’s lawyers defend his actions, stating that the funds were used to reimburse Kolfage for reasonable expenses related to the project. Bannon faces multiple charges, including money laundering, conspiracy, and scheme to defraud, which stem from a four-count indictment issued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in 2022.
The Trump Pardon and State Prosecution
In January 2021, just before leaving office, President Trump granted Bannon a presidential pardon for federal charges related to the same border wall fundraising efforts. However, presidential pardons do not apply to state charges, meaning Bannon is still facing prosecution in New York. If convicted, Trump would not be able to issue a pardon.
Kolfage and Others Involved
Bannon’s co-defendant, Brian Kolfage, pleaded guilty to federal fraud and tax charges in 2022. He was sentenced to over four years in prison. Other individuals involved in the case were not pardoned by Trump.
Bannon's Legal Troubles and Release from Prison
Bannon has faced legal troubles before. In 2022, he was convicted on two misdemeanor charges of contempt of Congress for refusing to testify or provide documents related to the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack. He was sentenced to serve time in a low-security federal facility, where he spent four months before being released on October 29, 2024.
Despite his legal challenges, Bannon has resumed his role as a prominent figure in right-wing media, hosting the "War Room" podcast, where he continues to criticize Trump’s political opponents.
What’s Next?
Bannon’s trial in New York will focus on the fraud charges related to the border wall fundraiser. His legal team continues to dispute the allegations, while the prosecution prepares to present evidence of fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. This trial will be a significant development in Bannon's ongoing legal battles.
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