Steve Bannon to be released from prison next week, Bureau of Prisons says, despite his attempts for earlier exit

Steve Bannon, the controversial right-wing podcaster and former aide to Donald Trump, is scheduled to be released from federal prison next Tuesday, October 29, despite his legal team’s efforts to secure an earlier exit. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) confirmed that Bannon will serve the entirety of his 120-day sentence for contempt of Congress.

Recently, Bannon had learned that he might qualify for home confinement but has since accused the BOP of political interference regarding his release. His attorneys have been actively advocating for leniency, both in court and with prison officials, but their efforts have not resulted in an expedited release.

In a letter to Bannon’s legal team, the acting warden of the low-security Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, stated that there was insufficient time to arrange for a transfer to home confinement in Washington, D.C. Bannon’s potential eligibility for home confinement was based on a provision in the Trump-era First Step Act, which allows for leniency for certain first-time federal offenders.

Warden Derek Puzio informed Bannon’s attorneys that the timeline did not allow for the necessary processing of a home confinement referral. “Mr. Bannon has insufficient time on his sentence to process a referral and secure approval for ten days of home confinement placement,” Puzio wrote in a letter obtained by CNN. He added that the Regional Reentry Management Office had notified their Residential Reentry Centers that they would not accept home confinement placements under 30 days.

Bannon was convicted in 2022 for failing to comply with a subpoena from the House Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Although his appeal is ongoing, he is nearing the end of his prison sentence. While incarcerated at FCI Danbury, Bannon has worked as an orderly in the prison library, ensuring that books were organized properly.

His impending release comes at a pivotal moment, as Bannon remains a strong supporter of Trump’s reelection campaign. Despite his time behind bars, his popular podcast, “War Room,” has continued to broadcast, and he is expected to reemerge as a prominent voice in political discourse leading up to the November presidential election.

In addition to his contempt conviction, Bannon faces ongoing legal challenges related to criminal fraud charges in New York. He is accused of defrauding donors through a fundraising effort known as the “We Build the Wall” campaign, which was intended to finance a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Bannon pleaded not guilty to these state charges, which include allegations of money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud connected to an alleged online scheme. A trial in this case is scheduled for December, adding further complexity to his legal situation as he transitions back into the public sphere.

As Bannon prepares for his release, the implications of his return to the political landscape remain to be seen. Known for his inflammatory rhetoric and close ties to the Trump administration, Bannon is likely to reignite discussions surrounding the former president’s campaign and broader political issues. His ongoing legal troubles, however, may also shape his narrative as he steps back into the spotlight.

In summary, Steve Bannon’s release from federal prison will not only mark the end of his current sentence but also the beginning of a new chapter in his tumultuous political career. With both ongoing legal battles and a significant role in the upcoming election, Bannon’s actions and statements are sure to garner attention as he navigates this complex landscape.