Top Trump Official Dragged To Prison

The attacks on the Trump base sadly continue.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has mandated that Steve Bannon, a close associate of former President Trump, report to prison starting July 1. This decision, issued by Judge Carl Nichols, comes after Bannon’s bail was revoked following his unsuccessful appeal against his contempt of Congress conviction in May. Bannon had been sentenced to four months in prison for failing to comply with a Congressional subpoena related to the January 6 Capitol riot investigation.

Bannon has yet to publicly respond to Judge Nichols’ ruling.

Bannon argued that his actions were based on the guidance of his legal advisors and that he did not intend to violate the law. However, Judge Bradley Garcia dismissed this defense, stating that acting on “advice of counsel” does not constitute a valid legal defense.

Originally sentenced in October 2022, Bannon was also fined $6,500. The Department of Justice had recommended a harsher penalty of six months in prison and a $200,000 fine.

After his sentencing, Bannon conveyed his respect for the judicial process, remarking, “I acknowledge the judge’s decision. The sentence he issued is his prerogative. Throughout this legal process, I have maintained complete respect.”

Bannon’s defense team contended that his lawyer at the time, Robert Costello, had advised him that he was legally prohibited from responding to the subpoena due to executive privilege issues. Costello had informed the Congressional committee that Bannon would comply if the privilege matters were resolved with former President Trump or if a court ordered him to comply, according to Bannon’s current attorney, David Schoen.

Schoen emphasized that in the United States, individuals are not typically prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned if they believe their actions are lawful and if they follow their lawyers’ advice that the law prevents them from complying with a congressional subpoena due to executive privilege.