Bannon faced charges related to defrauding donors over Trump’s border wall leading to his arrest in 2020 and additional charges related to defying a congressional subpoena.
Steve Bannon is a political strategist, media executive, and former advisor to Donald Trump. Born on November 27, 1953, in Norfolk, Virginia, Bannon has been a prominent figure in conservative circles and is known for his association with right-wing media outlets.
Early Career:
- Bannon served in the U.S. Navy for seven years before attending Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA.
- In the 1980s and 1990s, he worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs.
- Bannon transitioned to the media industry, producing and directing several conservative documentaries.
Breitbart News:
- Bannon became the executive chairman of Breitbart News, a conservative news and opinion website, in 2012. Under his leadership, Breitbart gained a reputation for its nationalist and populist perspectives.
Involvement with Trump:
- Bannon joined Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in August 2016, taking on the role of chief executive officer.
- After Trump’s election victory, Bannon served as Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to the President.
- Bannon was known for his influence on Trump’s populist and nationalist agenda, advocating for policies such as immigration restriction and economic nationalism.
Departure from the White House:
- Bannon left his White House position in August 2017 amid reported conflicts with other members of the administration.
- Following his departure, Bannon returned to Breitbart News but faced criticism for his comments in the book “Fire and Fury,” which raised questions about his relationship with Trump.
Legal Troubles:
- In 2020, Bannon faced legal issues related to the “We Build the Wall” campaign, an online fundraising effort to support Trump’s border wall.
- Bannon and others were charged with fraud for allegedly diverting funds from the campaign for personal use. They were accused of defrauding donors by misrepresenting how their contributions would be used.
Pardon by Trump:
- In January 2021, during his final days in office, Donald Trump granted Steve Bannon a full pardon for the charges related to the “We Build the Wall” campaign.
It’s important to note that while Bannon faced legal troubles, he was pardoned by Trump before the case went to trial, and he was not convicted of any crime in connection with the “We Build the Wall” campaign.