Steve Bannon's trial on charges related to the 'We Build the Wall' fundraising campaign has been postponed by a week to March 4, as he hired new lawyers to mount a vigorous defense strategy. Bannon, a political strategist and former ally of President Donald Trump, faces state charges including money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud.
The trial delay was granted by Judge April Newbauer after Bannon sought new legal representation to combat what he perceives as a politically motivated prosecution. His new defense team plans to portray the case as a selective and malicious prosecution to the jurors.
The case revolves around allegations that Bannon misled donors by promising that funds raised for the wall project would be used solely for construction along the U.S.-Mexico border. Instead, prosecutors claim the money was misappropriated to benefit Bannon and others involved in the initiative.
The 'We Build the Wall' campaign, launched in 2018, raised over $20 million and constructed a few miles of fencing before facing legal challenges and federal scrutiny. Bannon's federal prosecution was halted by a pardon from Trump, leading to the current state charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Two other individuals linked to the project pleaded guilty to federal charges, while a third was convicted and sentenced to prison. Bannon himself served a four-month prison term last year for defying a congressional subpoena related to the U.S. Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
Bannon's new legal team is sifting through extensive case files provided by prosecutors to prepare for trial. The defense attorney emphasized their commitment to reviewing the substantial amount of evidence and getting ready to present their case in court.
