Conservative strategist Steve Bannon, currently serving a four-month federal prison term, faces a new trial in New York for allegedly deceiving donors who contributed to a border wall project with Mexico. The trial, known as the 'We Build the Wall' case, is set to commence on December 9, with jury selection scheduled due to Bannon's absence from court.
The trial was initially expected in September but was postponed as Bannon is incarcerated in a federal penitentiary in Connecticut for defying a congressional subpoena related to the U.S. Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. He is due for release in late October.
The presiding judge, April Newbauer, has allowed time for Bannon to consult with his legal team and review trial materials, which are challenging to address during prison visits. Testimony in the case is anticipated to last about a week once the jury is seated and opening statements are presented.
Bannon's defense attorneys refrained from commenting after the court proceedings. Prosecutors allege that Bannon assisted in channeling funds exceeding $100,000 to a WeBuildTheWall Inc. co-founder who received undisclosed payments, contrary to promises made to donors for wall construction.
Although Bannon denies any personal financial gain, the indictment accuses him of facilitating covert payments. Bannon, aged 70, has pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering and conspiracy, dismissing them as baseless.
Previously pardoned by former President Donald Trump for federal charges, Bannon remains subject to state charges pursued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Three other individuals involved in the case are serving federal prison sentences, while Bannon was convicted of contempt of Congress in Washington in 2022 for failing to cooperate with the Capitol insurrection investigation.
Despite Bannon's claims of cooperation, an appeals court upheld his conviction, and the Supreme Court rejected his plea to delay his prison term. Commencing his sentence on July 1, Bannon labeled himself a 'political prisoner' and criticized Attorney General Merrick Garland.
