Career Timeline of Steve Bannon: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Steve Bannon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Steve Bannon is an American media executive, political strategist, and former investment banker. He is known for his role as the White House's chief strategist during the initial months of Donald Trump's presidency. Prior to his White House role, Bannon served as the executive chairman of Breitbart News, a conservative news and opinion website. Since leaving the White House, he has continued to be a prominent voice in conservative media, hosting the 'War Room' podcast since 2019.
1977: Enlisted in the United States Navy
In 1977, Bannon joined the United States Navy.
1983: End of Navy Service
In 1983, Bannon concluded his service as an officer in the United States Navy.
1983: Left the United States Navy
In 1983, Bannon concluded his service in the United States Navy.
1987: Relocated to Los Angeles with Goldman Sachs
In 1987, Bannon relocated from New York to Los Angeles to assist Goldman Sachs in expanding their presence in the entertainment industry.
1990: Launched Bannon & Co.
In 1990, Bannon and colleagues from Goldman Sachs launched Bannon & Co., a boutique investment bank specializing in media.
1991: Executive Producer of Hollywood Films
From 1991, Bannon worked as an executive producer on Hollywood films.
1991: Produced The Indian Runner
In 1991, Bannon produced Sean Penn's drama The Indian Runner.
1993: Became Acting Director of Biosphere 2
In 1993, Bannon became the acting director of the research project Biosphere 2.
1995: Left Biosphere 2 Project
In 1995, Bannon left the Biosphere 2 project.
1998: Société Générale Purchased Bannon & Co.
In 1998, Société Générale purchased Bannon & Co.
2002: Partner at The Firm, Inc.
In 2002, Bannon became a partner with Jeff Kwatinetz at The Firm, Inc.
2004: Made documentary about Ronald Reagan, In the Face of Evil
In 2004, Bannon made a documentary about Ronald Reagan, In the Face of Evil.
2005: Secured Funding for Internet Gaming Entertainment
In 2005, Bannon secured $60 million in funding from Goldman Sachs and other investors for Internet Gaming Entertainment (IGE).
2006: Persuaded Goldman Sachs to invest in Internet Gaming Entertainment
In 2006, Bannon persuaded Goldman Sachs to invest in Internet Gaming Entertainment.
2007: CEO of Affinity Media
From 2007, Bannon was the chair and CEO of Affinity Media.
2007: Co-founded Breitbart News
In 2007, Bannon co-founded Breitbart News.
2007: Founding Board Member of Breitbart News
In 2007, Bannon was a founding board member of Breitbart News, a far-right news, opinion, and commentary website.
2007: Wrote Treatment for Documentary
In 2007, Bannon wrote an eight-page treatment for another documentary, Destroying the Great Satan: The Rise of Islamic Fascism in America.
2007: Development of "Destroying the Great Satan"
In 2007, Steve Bannon proposed and developed a script for a documentary titled "Destroying the Great Satan: The Rise of Islamic Fascism in America," which centered on an alleged Muslim effort to take over America.
2010: Financed and Produced Fire from the Heartland
In 2010, Bannon financed and produced Fire from the Heartland: The Awakening of the Conservative Woman.
2010: Generation Zero film release
In 2010, Bannon released Generation Zero film.
2011: Financed and Produced The Undefeated
In 2011, Bannon financed and produced The Undefeated.
2011: Spoke at Liberty Restoration Foundation
In 2011, Bannon spoke at the Liberty Restoration Foundation in Orlando, Florida, about the 2008 financial crisis.
2011: Chair and CEO of Affinity Media
Through 2011, Bannon was the chair and CEO of Affinity Media.
March 2012: Executive Chairman of Breitbart News
In March 2012, following the death of Andrew Breitbart, Bannon became executive chairman of Breitbart News LLC.
2012: Financed and Produced Occupy Unmasked
In 2012, Bannon financed and produced Occupy Unmasked.
2012: Bannon co-founds Government Accountability Institute
In 2012, Steve Bannon co-founded the Government Accountability Institute, a tax-exempt organization. From 2012, he helped orchestrate the publication of Breitbart News senior Editor-at-large Peter Schweizer's book Clinton Cash until his departure in August 2016.
2012: Release of "The Hope & The Change"
In 2012, Steve Bannon released his documentary film "The Hope & The Change", which consciously imitated Riefenstahl's film "The Triumph of the Will" (1935).
2014: Speech at the Vatican Conference
In 2014, during a speech delivered to a small conference in the Vatican, Steve Bannon referenced the struggle against Islam and implied Trump's America and Putin's Russia are Christian allies against Islamic terrorism.
2015: Bannon received compensation from Government Accountability Institute
For the year 2015, Steve Bannon received between $81,000 and $100,000 from the Government Accountability Institute, where he worked an average of 30 hours per week. The organization creates indictments against politicians using the deep web, tax filings, flight logs, and foreign government documents and then forwards their findings to the media.
August 14, 2016: Bannon joins Trump's campaign
On August 14, 2016, Steve Bannon joined then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign. Bannon stated he planned on spending one year, but stayed a few more days due to the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
August 2016: Bannon departs Government Accountability Institute
In August 2016, Steve Bannon departed from the Government Accountability Institute, where he was executive chair and co-founder since 2012. During his time there, he helped orchestrate the publication of Peter Schweizer's book Clinton Cash.
August 17, 2016: Bannon Appointed Chief Executive of Trump Campaign
On August 17, 2016, Steve Bannon was appointed chief executive of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, 88 days before the election. To take the job, Bannon left Breitbart, the Government Accountability Institute, and Cambridge Analytica.
2016: CEO of Trump's Presidential Campaign
In 2016, Bannon became the chief executive officer of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and was appointed chief strategist and senior counselor to the president following Trump's election.
2016: Bannon declared the website "the platform for the alt-right."
In 2016, Bannon declared the Breitbart website "the platform for the alt-right."
2016: Described Breitbart News as Platform for the Alt-Right
In 2016, Bannon described Breitbart News as "the platform for the alt-right".
January 2017: Bannon designated as regular attendee to NSC
At the end of January 2017, Steve Bannon's position, along with that of the chief of staff, was designated as regular attendees to the National Security Council's Principals Committee by presidential memorandum. The arrangement was criticized by members of previous administrations.
April 2017: Bannon sells stake in Cambridge Analytica
In April 2017, Steve Bannon sold his stake, estimated at $1-5 million, in Cambridge Analytica after joining the Trump administration. He had been paid over $125,000 for his work at the firm.
April 2017: Bannon removed from NSC role
In early April 2017, Steve Bannon was removed from his role in the National Security Council (NSC) in a reorganization led by H.R. McMaster. Some officials indicated Bannon's presence had been to check on Michael T. Flynn, who had resigned in February 2017.
August 4, 2017: Bannon submits resignation notice
On August 4, 2017, Steve Bannon stated that he submitted his two-week resignation notice. Some sources stated that Bannon was asked to submit his immediate resignation on August 18, 2017.
August 2017: Bannon Declares Intention to Build Global Populist Infrastructure
In August 2017, after leaving the White House, Steve Bannon declared his intention to become "the infrastructure, globally, for the global populist movement."
August 18, 2017: Returned as Executive Chairman of Breitbart
On August 18, 2017, Bannon returned as executive chairman of Breitbart following his White House employment.
October 2017: Bannon Plans Primary Challenges Against Republican Senators
In October 2017, Steve Bannon announced his plan to sponsor primary challenges against six of the seven incumbent Republican senators in the 2018 elections. He outlined two requirements for candidates to earn his support: pledging to vote against Mitch McConnell as Senate majority leader and to end the Senate filibuster.
October 2017: Bannon Meets Guo Wengui
In October 2017, Steve Bannon met exiled Chinese billionaire businessman Guo Wengui, and the pair cultivated a friendship.
October 2017: Bannon Visits Freedom Party of Austria
In October 2017, Steve Bannon visited the Freedom Party of Austria as part of a tour of Europe to speak at events with various far-right political parties.
December 12, 2017: Moore Loses Election, Bannon's Reputation Questioned
On December 12, 2017, Roy Moore lost the election in what had been considered a safe Republican seat. Consequently, Steve Bannon's reputation as a political strategist was questioned by Republican commentators.
December 2017: Bannon Visits UK Conservative Party
In December 2017, Steve Bannon visited the UK Conservative Party as part of a tour of Europe to speak at events with various far-right political parties.
2017: Bannon Supports Roy Moore Amidst Allegations
In 2017, Bannon received credit for helping Roy Moore defeat incumbent senator Luther Strange in the September Republican primary for the special Alabama Senate election, even though Trump had endorsed Strange. Later, after multiple women alleged sexual misconduct by Moore, Bannon doubled down on his support and questioned the veracity of the accusations. He also responded to Ivanka Trump's condemnation of Moore by referencing allegations against her father, Donald Trump.
2017: Bannon founds The Movement
In 2017, Steve Bannon founded The Movement, a populist organization that supports right-wing groups in Europe against the EU. The group is known for opposing George Soros's Open Society Foundations. Bannon has referred to Soros as "evil but brilliant".
2017: Opposition to Shayrat Missile Strike
In 2017, as White House chief strategist, Steve Bannon opposed the Shayrat missile strike, losing the internal debate to Kushner.
2017: Roy Moore Lost Senate Election
In 2017, despite Bannon's support, Roy Moore lost the United States Senate election in Alabama, questioning Bannon's reputation as a strategist.
January 9, 2018: Stepped Down as Executive Chairman
On January 9, 2018, Bannon stepped down as executive chairman of Breitbart.
February 2018: Bannon's political strategy
In February 2018, Steve Bannon told journalist Michael Lewis in an interview, "We got elected on Drain the Swamp, Lock Her Up, Build a Wall. This was pure anger. Anger and fear is what gets people to the polls."
March 2018: "Populist Pep Talk" to National Front
In March 2018, at a party congress, Steve Bannon gave members of the French right-wing populist National Front (NF) a "populist pep talk," advising them to embrace labels like "racist" and "xenophobe," which drew criticism for "normalizing racism."
July 2018: Urging Boris Johnson to Challenge Theresa May
In July 2018, Steve Bannon urged Boris Johnson to challenge Prime Minister Theresa May and was in private contact with Johnson during his visit to Britain that month.
July 2018: Bannon Visits Vox and the Finns Party
In July 2018, Steve Bannon visited Spain's Vox and the Finns Party as part of his effort to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
August 2018: Bannon Advises Jair Bolsonaro's Campaign
In August 2018, Steve Bannon met with Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of Jair Bolsonaro, and served as an informal advisor to the Bolsonaro campaign in the Brazilian presidential elections that year.
August 2018: Bannon Visits Republika Srpska's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats
In August 2018, Steve Bannon visited Republika Srpska's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats as part of his effort to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
August 2018: Guo-Linked Company Enters Consulting Contract with Bannon
Starting in August 2018, a company linked to Guo Wengui entered into a $1 million consulting contract with Steve Bannon.
September 2018: Bannon Visits Italian League, Brothers of Italy, and Polish Law and Justice
In September 2018, Steve Bannon visited the Italian League, the Brothers of Italy, and the Polish Law and Justice party as part of his efforts to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties in Europe.
2018: The Movement employs 10 full-time staff members
As of 2018, The Movement, founded by Steve Bannon, employed 10 full-time staff members. Mischaël Modrikamen serves as executive director, and the organization has received praise from figures like Viktor Orbán and Luigi Di Maio.
2018: Bannon Flies on Guo's Jet to Support Republican Candidates
During the 2018 election campaign, Steve Bannon flew on Guo Wengui's Bombardier Global Express to events in support of Republican congressional candidates in New Mexico and Arizona.
2018: Bannon Announces Right-Wing Academy in Italy
In 2018, Steve Bannon announced plans to establish a right-wing academy at the Trisulti Charterhouse site in Italy, supported by Benjamin Harnwell, aiming to create a "gladiator school for culture warriors."
2018: Plans to Unite Populist Parties in Europe
In 2018, Steve Bannon announced plans to launch a new political operation to unite populist parties across Europe before the 2019 European Parliament election.
2018: Defense of Trump's Ties to Putin
In 2018, Steve Bannon defended Donald Trump's ties to Vladimir Putin, suggesting that traditionalists view Russia as an ally standing up for traditional institutions and national sovereignty.
2018: Bannon Releases Pro-Trump Documentary
In 2018, Steve Bannon released a pro-Trump documentary titled "Trump @War" through his production company, Victory Films. The film aimed to galvanize Trump supporters ahead of the 2018 elections to help keep a Republican majority in the House.
2018: Bannon Aids Republican House Control Efforts
In 2018, Steve Bannon used his group, Citizens of the American Republic, to aid efforts to keep Republican control of the House of Representatives in the election. The group is a dark money organization.
2018: Disavowed by Trump and Left Breitbart
In 2018, after criticism of Trump's children was reported in Michael Wolff's book Fire and Fury, Bannon was disavowed by Trump and left Breitbart.
February 2019: Eduardo Bolsonaro Joins Bannon's "The Movement"
In February 2019, Eduardo Bolsonaro joined Steve Bannon's organization, "The Movement," as its representative in South America.
March 2019: Bannon Meets with Bolsonaros in Washington, D.C.
In March 2019, Steve Bannon met with both Jair and Eduardo Bolsonaro in Washington, D.C.
May 2019: Bannon Visits the Five Star Movement
In May 2019, Steve Bannon visited the Five Star Movement as part of his effort to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
August 2019: Bannon Praises Trump on CNBC
In August 2019, Steve Bannon praised Donald Trump as a "great leader as president" and an "amazing campaigner" during an appearance on CNBC. In response, Trump called Bannon "one of my best pupils" and "still a giant Trump fan."
October 2019: Bannon Co-hosts "War Room: Impeachment"
In October 2019, Steve Bannon began co-hosting "War Room: Impeachment", a daily radio show and podcast, offering advice to the Trump administration and its allies on countering the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump.
2019: Hosting War Room Podcast
In 2019, Bannon began hosting the War Room podcast.
2019: Formation of The Movement
In 2019, Steve Bannon formed The Movement, a foundation aimed at connecting far-right groups throughout Europe.
2019: Hosted Bannon's War Room
Since 2019, Bannon has hosted Bannon's War Room on Robert J. Sigg's Real America's Voice television network, podcast platforms, and radio.
August 2020: Bannon arrested on federal charges
In August 2020, Steve Bannon was arrested on federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering in connection with the We Build the Wall fundraising campaign.
November 5, 2020: Bannon calls for beheadings of Fauci and Wray
During the November 5, 2020, edition of his webcast, Steve Bannon called for the beheadings of Anthony Fauci and FBI director Christopher Wray. Following these comments, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter took action against Bannon's accounts, with Twitter permanently banning him.
2020: Bannon Starts "War Room: Pandemic" Podcast
In 2020, Steve Bannon began a podcast called "War Room: Pandemic", broadcast from his Capitol Hill townhouse. Trump reportedly told others that he watched the program and cited specific interviews he had seen when speaking with Bannon that summer.
2020: Skepticism about Soleimani Assassination
In 2020, Steve Bannon expressed skepticism regarding the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, questioning its necessity and potential to escalate military issues with Iran, which could undermine Trump's support.
January 9, 2021: YouTube removes Bannon's podcast channels
On January 9, 2021, YouTube removed Steve Bannon's podcast channel and another channel called "Trump at War – A Film by Stephen K. Bannon" due to violations of their Terms of Service.
February 2021: Manhattan DA issues subpoenas related to "We Build the Wall" venture
In February 2021, the Manhattan District Attorney issued subpoenas to Wells Fargo Bank and GoFundMe, related to accounts used for the "We Build the Wall" venture.
May 2021: Fraud case dismissed against Bannon
In May 2021, Judge Torres dismissed the fraud case against Steve Bannon, citing the precedent of criminal cases being dismissed following presidential pardons. Torres noted that the pardon implies guilt, even without a guilty plea.
May 24, 2021: Trial date set
On May 24, 2021, Judge Analisa Torres set the trial date for Steve Bannon's case, following the preliminary hearing on August 31.
September 23, 2021: House Committee Subpoenas Bannon
On September 23, 2021, the U.S. House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack subpoenaed Steve Bannon, ordering him to appear on October 14. His lawyers informed the committee he would not comply.
November 12, 2021: Bannon Indicted on Contempt Charges
On November 12, 2021, Steve Bannon was indicted by a federal grand jury on two criminal contempt charges for not providing documents and not testifying before Congress.
April 2022: Appeal Rejected
In April 2022, an appeals court rejected Steve Bannon's appeal regarding his failure to testify before the January 6 Committee.
July 18, 2022: Bannon's Trial Begins
On July 18, 2022, the trial against Steve Bannon began, with the jury finalized the next day.
July 22, 2022: Bannon Found Guilty on Both Charges
On July 22, 2022, Steve Bannon was found guilty on both charges of contempt of Congress. Representatives from the January 6 Committee and DOJ commented on the verdict.
August 2022: Bannon Indicted on New York State Charges
In August 2022, Steve Bannon was indicted on New York state charges including money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud related to the $25 million "We Build the Wall" scheme, which Bannon claimed was politically motivated.
September 8, 2022: Bannon Surrenders to Authorities
On September 8, 2022, Steve Bannon surrendered to authorities.
October 21, 2022: Bannon Sentenced to Prison
On October 21, 2022, Judge Nichols sentenced Steve Bannon to four months in prison and a $6,500 fine for contempt of Congress.
November 4, 2022: Bannon Appeals Conviction and Sentence
On November 4, 2022, Steve Bannon appealed his conviction and sentence and remained free pending appeal, with his sentence put on hold.
January 2023: Bannon's Lawyers Allege Improper Search
In January 2023, Steve Bannon's lawyers argued that the DOJ had improperly searched his private communications.
May 10, 2024: Appellate Court Upholds Conviction
On May 10, 2024, the appellate court unanimously upheld Steve Bannon's conviction, and the DOJ filed a motion to lift his stay of sentence.
May 27, 2024: Original Trial Date Postponed
Originally expected to commence on May 27, 2024, Steve Bannon's trial was postponed due to Judge Juan Merchan's unavailability as he was also overseeing the Trump "hush-money" case.
June 6, 2024: Judge Orders Bannon to Report to Prison
On June 6, 2024, Judge Carl Nichols granted the motion to lift the stay and ordered Steve Bannon to report to prison by July 1 unless the full appeals court intervened, stipulating he would go to Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury.
July 1, 2024: Bannon Reports to Prison
On July 1, 2024, Steve Bannon reported to the Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury in Connecticut, where he resided in a special veterans housing unit.
September 23, 2024: Trial Date Set
September 23, 2024 was the day the trial was set to be held.
October 29, 2024: Bannon Released From Prison
On October 29, 2024, Steve Bannon was released from Bureau of Prisons custody.
December 9, 2024: Case Reassigned and Rescheduled
On December 9, 2024, due to an ongoing conflict, Steve Bannon's case was reassigned to Judge April Newbauer, who then rescheduled it.
February 11, 2025: Bannon Pleads Guilty and Sentenced
On February 11, 2025, Steve Bannon pleaded guilty to one state felony count of a scheme to defraud in the first degree and received a three-year conditional discharge.
February 2025: Bannon pleaded guilty to one state felony count of a scheme to defraud
In February 2025, Steve Bannon pleaded guilty to one state felony count of a scheme to defraud in the first degree and received a three-year conditional discharge, avoiding prison time and restitution.
February 25, 2025: Trial Rescheduled
On February 25, 2025, Judge Newbauer rescheduled the trial at Steve Bannon's request.
June 2025: Opposition to US Involvement in Iran-Israel War
In June 2025, Steve Bannon opposed U.S. involvement in the Iran–Israel War, cautioning Trump about trusting Israeli intelligence and suggesting that strikes on Iran could endanger U.S. soldiers. He also criticized Israel and pro-Israel commentators following ceasefire violations.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Vladimir Putin is a Russian politician the current President of...
Tucker Carlson is an American conservative political commentator known for...
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...
Facebook is a social media and networking service created in...
Anthony Stephen Fauci is a prominent American physician-scientist and immunologist...
Trending
6 months ago DeAndre Jordan on Malone's Ring, Westbrook Statement, and Russ' Last Chance.
3 months ago Shapovalov advances to Los Cabos final, continuing strong performance at Mifel Tennis Open.
5 months ago Jeremy Renner Details Near-Death Experience and His Feelings About Being Revived
4 months ago Jenna Bush Hager's on-air slip: Al Roker and Barbara Bush 'made out'?
2 hours ago Michael Douglas and Brittany Murphy's 'Don't Say a Word' Thrills Netflix Subscribers
2 hours ago Jaume Munar Dominates Ben Shelton Again in Basel, Extends Winning Streak
Popular
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...
The White House located at Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Charlie Kirk is an American right-wing political activist entrepreneur and...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...