Career Timeline of Steve Bannon: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Steve Bannon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Stephen Kevin Bannon is an American media executive, political strategist, and former investment banker. He gained prominence as the executive chairman of Breitbart News, a far-right news and opinion website. Bannon served as the White House Chief Strategist for the first seven months of Donald Trump's presidency, playing a key role in shaping Trump's nationalist and populist policies. After leaving the White House, he continued to promote right-wing political movements both in the United States and internationally. Bannon has been a controversial figure due to his association with alt-right ideologies and his role in shaping divisive political narratives.
1977: Served in the United States Navy
From 1977, Bannon served as an officer in the United States Navy, serving on the destroyer USS Paul F. Foster as a surface warfare officer in the Pacific Fleet.
1983: Left the United States Navy and Joined Goldman Sachs
In 1983, Bannon ended his service in the United States Navy and started working for Goldman Sachs as an investment banker.
1983: Left the United States Navy
In 1983, Bannon ended 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 several colleagues from Goldman Sachs launched their own company Bannon & Co., a boutique investment bank specializing in media.
1991: Executive Producer for Hollywood Films
In 1991, Bannon became an executive producer on 18 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 acting director of the earth science research project Biosphere 2, shifting its focus towards environmental studies.
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.
1999: Produced the Film "Titus"
In 1999, Bannon produced Julie Taymor's film Titus.
2002: Partner at The Firm, Inc.
In 2002, Bannon became a partner with entertainment industry executive Jeff Kwatinetz at film and television management company The Firm, Inc.
2003: Continued as Partner at The Firm, Inc.
In 2003, Bannon continued as partner with entertainment industry executive Jeff Kwatinetz at film and television management company The Firm, Inc.
2004: Made a Documentary about Ronald Reagan
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 for Internet Gaming Entertainment (IGE), which used low-wage workers to play World of Warcraft and sell in-game currency for real money.
2006: Persuaded Goldman Sachs to invest in Internet Gaming Entertainment
In 2006, Bannon persuaded Goldman Sachs to invest in Internet Gaming Entertainment.
2007: Co-founded Breitbart News
In 2007, Bannon co-founded Breitbart News, a far-right news, opinion and commentary website.
2007: Bannon became CEO of Affinity Media
In 2007, Bannon took over as CEO of Affinity Media, formerly known as Internet Gaming Entertainment.
2007: Founding Board Member of Breitbart News
In 2007, Bannon was a founding board member of Breitbart News, a far-right news and opinion website.
2007: Wrote Treatment for "Destroying the Great Satan"
In 2007, Bannon wrote an eight-page treatment for a documentary titled "Destroying the Great Satan: The Rise of Islamic Fascism in America".
2007: Bannon Develops "Destroying the Great Satan" Documentary in 2007
In 2007, Steve Bannon proposed and developed a script for a documentary titled "Destroying the Great Satan: The Rise of Islamic Fascism in America", portraying a Muslim effort to take over America.
2008: Bannon Criticizes Wall Street's Role in Financial Crisis
In 2008, Steve Bannon criticized Wall Street for its role in the 2008 financial crisis. He has also criticized bail outs for big banks and is angered by the fact that Wall Street banks have not been held accountable for the financial crisis, which he says fueled populist fury and groups such as the Tea Party.
2008: Discussed Financial Crisis in 2011
In 2011, Bannon spoke at the Liberty Restoration Foundation in Orlando, Florida, about the 2008 financial crisis, the Troubled Assets Relief Program, and their impact in the origins of the Tea Party movement, and his films Generation Zero (2010) and The Undefeated.
2010: Produced "Fire from the Heartland: The Awakening of the Conservative Woman"
In 2010, Bannon financed and produced the film "Fire from the Heartland: The Awakening of the Conservative Woman".
2010: Discussed his film Generation Zero in 2011
In 2011, Bannon spoke at the Liberty Restoration Foundation in Orlando, Florida, about the 2008 financial crisis, the Troubled Assets Relief Program, and their impact in the origins of the Tea Party movement, and his films Generation Zero (2010) and The Undefeated.
2011: Produced "The Undefeated"
In 2011, Bannon financed and produced the film "The Undefeated".
2011: Spoke at Liberty Restoration Foundation
In 2011, Bannon spoke at the Liberty Restoration Foundation in Orlando, Florida, discussing the 2008 financial crisis, the Troubled Assets Relief Program, and his films.
2011: Bannon stepped down as CEO of Affinity Media
In 2011, Bannon stepped down as the chair and CEO of Affinity Media.
March 2012: Became Executive Chairman of Breitbart News
In March 2012, Bannon became the executive chairman of Breitbart News LLC, following the death of Andrew Breitbart.
2012: Produced "Occupy Unmasked"
In 2012, Bannon financed and produced the film "Occupy Unmasked".
2012: Co-founded Government Accountability Institute
In 2012, Steve Bannon co-founded the Government Accountability Institute, a tax-exempt organization. He remained there until August 2016.
2012: Bannon's "The Hope & The Change" documentary released in 2012.
In 2012, the opening of Steve Bannon's documentary film "The Hope & The Change" consciously imitated Riefenstahl's film "The Triumph of the Will".
2014: Bannon's Vatican Conference Speech in 2014
In 2014, during a conference in the Vatican, Steve Bannon spoke about the Judeo-Christian West's historical struggle against Islam, viewing Putin's Russia and Trump's America as Christian allies against radical Islamic terrorism.
2015: Received between $81,000 and $100,000 from the Government Accountability Institute
In 2015, Steve Bannon received between $81,000 and $100,000 from the Government Accountability Institute for his work, averaging 30 hours per week.
August 14, 2016: Bannon joined Trump's campaign
On August 14, 2016, Steve Bannon joined then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign.
August 2016: Departure from the Government Accountability Institute
In August 2016, Steve Bannon departed from the Government Accountability Institute after serving as executive chair and co-founder since 2012.
August 17, 2016: Appointed Chief Executive of Trump's Presidential Campaign
On August 17, 2016, Steve Bannon was appointed as the chief executive of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, leading to his departure from Breitbart, the Government Accountability Institute, and Cambridge Analytica.
2016: CEO of Trump Campaign and White House Strategist
In 2016, Bannon became the CEO of Trump's presidential campaign and was later appointed chief strategist and senior counselor to the president.
2016: Declared Breitbart News as "The Platform for the Alt-Right"
In 2016, Bannon declared Breitbart News as "the platform for the alt-right", marking a shift towards a more nationalistic and alt-right friendly editorial tone.
2016: Cambridge Analytica's tactics to target American voters
In 2016, Cambridge Analytica, where Bannon served as vice president, allegedly used illegal tactics to target American voters during the election.
January 2017: Designated as Regular Attendee to NSC's Principals Committee
In January 2017, Steve Bannon was designated as a regular attendee to the National Security Council's (NSC) Principals Committee.
April 2017: Sold Cambridge Analytica stake
In April 2017, Steve Bannon sold his stake in Cambridge Analytica, estimated between $1-5 million, after joining the Trump administration.
April 2017: Removed from NSC Role
In early April 2017, Steve Bannon was removed from his role in the National Security Council (NSC).
August 4, 2017: Bannon claimed he submitted his resignation notice
On August 4, 2017, Steve Bannon stated he submitted his two-week resignation notice.
August 2017: Bannon Declares Global Populist Movement Intentions
After leaving the White House in August 2017, Steve Bannon announced his intention to create the infrastructure for a global populist movement. He planned to tour Europe and speak at events with far-right political parties to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aiming to govern.
August 18, 2017: Returned as Executive Chairman of Breitbart
On August 18, 2017, Bannon returned to Breitbart as executive chairman after his time at the White House.
October 2017: Bannon Plans Primary Challenges Against Republican Senators
In October 2017, Steve Bannon announced plans to sponsor primary challenges against six of the seven incumbent Republican senators in the 2018 elections. He outlined that candidates must pledge to vote against Mitch McConnell as Senate majority leader and end the Senate filibuster to earn his support.
October 2017: Bannon Visits Freedom Party of Austria
In October 2017, Steve Bannon visited the Freedom Party of Austria as part of his tour of Europe to speak at events with various far-right political parties there, in a bid to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
December 2017: Bannon Visits UK Conservative Party
In December 2017, Steve Bannon visited the UK Conservative Party as part of his tour of Europe to speak at events with various far-right political parties there, in a bid to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
2017: Bannon's Opposition to the Shayrat Missile Strike
During his time as White House chief strategist in 2017, Steve Bannon opposed the Shayrat missile strike, but was overruled by Kushner.
2017: Founded the Movement
In 2017, Steve Bannon founded the Movement, a populist organization promoting right-wing groups in Europe.
2017: Bannon Expresses Opinion on North Korea Crisis
In 2017, Steve Bannon stated that "there is no military solution" to the 2017 North Korea crisis.
2017: Bannon Supports Roy Moore Despite Allegations
In 2017, Steve Bannon was credited with helping Roy Moore defeat incumbent senator Luther Strange in the September Republican primary for the special Alabama Senate election, despite Trump's endorsement of Strange. After sexual misconduct allegations against Moore surfaced, Bannon continued his support and questioned the accusations. He responded to Ivanka Trump's condemnation of Moore by referencing allegations against her father.
2017: Bannon Warns Trump Against Gun Control
In 2017, following the Las Vegas shooting, Steve Bannon warned Trump against any shifts towards gun control, suggesting it would be negatively received by Trump's political base more than an immigration amnesty bill.
January 9, 2018: Stepped Down as Executive Chairman of Breitbart
On January 9, 2018, Bannon stepped down as executive chairman of Breitbart News due to a break with Trump and concerns from the organization's funders.
February 2018: Bannon tells journalist Michael Lewis 'anger and fear is what gets people to the polls'
In February 2018, journalist Michael Lewis interviewed Bannon where he told Lewis "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." He added, "The Democrats don't matter. The real opposition is the media. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with shit."
March 2018: Bannon Addresses French National Front in March 2018
In March 2018, Steve Bannon delivered a "populist pep talk" to members of the French National Front, encouraging them to embrace labels such as "racist" and "xenophobe".
March 2018: Bannon Tours Europe
In March 2018, Steve Bannon visited the Swiss People's Party, the UK Independence Party, the Flemish Vlaams Belang, the Belgian People's Party, Alternative for Germany, France's National Front (now the National Rally), Hungary's Fidesz, the Sweden Democrats, and the pan-European identitarian movement, as part of his effort to build a network of far-right parties in Europe.
July 2018: Bannon Urges Boris Johnson to Challenge Theresa May in July 2018
In July 2018, Steve Bannon urged Boris Johnson to challenge Prime Minister Theresa May, expressing admiration for Johnson and revealing private contact between them.
July 2018: Bannon Visits Spain's Vox and the Finns Party
In July 2018, Steve Bannon visited Spain's Vox and the Finns Party as part of his tour of Europe to speak at events with various far-right political parties there, in a bid to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
August 2018: Bannon Advises Jair Bolsonaro's Son
In August 2018, Steve Bannon met with Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro, and served as an informal advisor to the Bolsonaro campaign in the Brazilian presidential elections.
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 tour of Europe to speak at events with various far-right political parties there, in a bid to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
August 2018: Guo-Linked Company Enters Consulting Contract with Bannon
In August 2018, a company linked to Guo Wengui entered into a $1 million consulting contract with Steve Bannon.
September 2018: Bannon Visits 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 as part of his tour of Europe to speak at events with various far-right political parties there, in a bid to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
2018: Bannon Plans Right-Wing Academy in Italy
In 2018, Steve Bannon announced his plan to establish a right-wing academy at the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, located in the Trisulti Charterhouse in Italy. The aim, supported by Benjamin Harnwell, was to create a "gladiator school for culture warriors".
2018: Bannon Announces European Political Operation in 2018
In 2018, Steve Bannon announced plans to launch a new political operation in Europe aimed at uniting populist parties before the 2019 European Parliament election. He also formed The Movement to connect far-right groups throughout Europe.
2018: Bannon Advocates Closer Ties with Russia in 2018
In 2018, Steve Bannon defended Trump's ties to Putin, viewing Russia as a potential ally due to its traditional values. He met with Aleksandr Dugin in Rome to discuss closer relations between the U.S. and Russia.
2018: Bannon Aides Republican Control of the House
In 2018, Steve Bannon used his group Citizens of the American Republic to aide him in his efforts to help keep Republican control of the House of Representatives in the election.
2018: Bannon Releases Pro-Trump Documentary
In 2018, Steve Bannon, through his production company Victory Films, released a pro-Trump documentary titled "Trump @War". The film aimed to galvanize Trump supporters ahead of the 2018 elections to maintain a Republican majority in the House.
2018: Disavowed by Trump and Left Breitbart
In 2018, after criticism of Trump's children in Michael Wolff's book Fire and Fury, Bannon was disavowed by Trump and left Breitbart.
February 2019: Bolsonaro's Son Joins Bannon's Organization
In February 2019, Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of Jair 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 tour of Europe to speak at events with various far-right political parties there, in a bid to build a network of right-wing populist-nationalist parties aspiring to government.
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 where he offered advice to the Trump administration and its allies on countering the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump.
2019: European Parliament Election Plans in 2019
In 2019, Steve Bannon's focus was on uniting populist parties across Europe for the European Parliament election, with the project based in Brussels.
2019: Hosted Bannon's War Room
Since 2019, Bannon has hosted "Bannon's War Room" on 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. Consequently, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter took action against his accounts, and Mailchimp disabled his email newsletter.
2020: Bannon's Skepticism About Soleimani Assassination
In 2020, Steve Bannon expressed skepticism regarding the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, questioning its necessity and potential to exacerbate military issues, while also warning that escalation with Iran could undermine Trump's support.
2020: Bannon Starts 'War Room: Pandemic' Podcast
In 2020, Steve Bannon launched the "War Room: Pandemic" podcast, broadcast from his Capitol Hill townhouse. Bannon claimed that Trump followed the program closely, even citing specific interviews during their conversations.
January 9, 2021: YouTube Removes Bannon's Podcast Channel
On January 9, 2021, YouTube removed Steve Bannon's podcast channel and another one called "Trump at War – A Film by Stephen K. Bannon" due to a "violation of YouTube's 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, which had provided accounts for the "We Build the Wall" venture.
May 2021: Fraud case against Bannon dismissed
In May 2021, Judge Torres dismissed the fraud case against Bannon, following the precedent of criminal cases being dismissed after presidential pardons, stating that the pardon was valid and dismissal of the indictment was "the proper course".
May 24, 2021: Trial date set for Bannon
On May 24, 2021, a trial date was set by U.S. district judge Analisa Torres, following a preliminary hearing on August 31, for the case involving Steve Bannon. Prosecutors had revealed collecting a large amount of emails and data from devices and online storage.
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.
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: one count of not providing documents, and one count of not testifying.
April 2022: Bannon's 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, Steve Bannon's trial began, with the jury being finalized the next day.
July 22, 2022: Bannon Found Guilty on Both Charges
On July 22, 2022, the jury found Steve Bannon guilty on both charges of contempt of Congress.
August 2022: Bannon Indicted on New York State Charges
In August 2022, Steve Bannon was indicted on New York state charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud related to the $25 million "We Build the Wall" scheme.
September 8, 2022: Bannon Surrenders to Authorities
On September 8, 2022, Steve Bannon surrendered to authorities regarding his case.
October 21, 2022: Bannon Sentenced to Prison
On October 21, 2022, Judge Nichols sentenced Steve Bannon to serve four months in prison and pay 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; he remained free pending appeal, with his sentence put on hold.
January 2023: Bannon's Lawyers Argue Improper Search of Communications
In January 2023, Steve Bannon's lawyers argued that the DOJ had improperly searched his private communications.
December 2023: Bannon Advocates for Arming Children in Schools
In December 2023, Steve Bannon advocated for integrating gun classes into school curriculums, speaking at Turning Point USA's America Fest, as a means for children to defend themselves against bullies.
May 10, 2024: Appellate Court Upholds Bannon's 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 expected trial start date postponed
The trial was originally expected to start May 27, 2024, however it was postponed to September 23, 2024, because the judge in that case, Juan Merchan, was also overseeing the Trump "hush-money" case and was unavailable at that time.
June 6, 2024: Judge Orders Bannon to Report to Prison
On June 6, 2024, Judge Carl Nichols granted the motion to have Bannon report to prison by July 1, and it was decided he would go to Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury.
July 1, 2024: Bannon Reports to Prison
On July 1, 2024, Steve Bannon reported to the low-level security Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury in Danbury, Connecticut.
September 23, 2024: Trial Postponed
On September 23, 2024, Steve Bannon's trial was postponed because the judge in that case, Juan Merchan, was also overseeing the Trump "hush-money" case and was unavailable at that time.
October 29, 2024: Bannon Released from Prison
On October 29, 2024, Steve Bannon was released from Bureau of Prisons custody.
December 9, 2024: Bannon's case rescheduled due to conflict
On December 9, 2024, due to an ongoing conflict, Steve Bannon's case was reassigned to Judge April Newbauer who later rescheduled it.
February 11, 2025: Bannon pleads guilty to one state felony count of a scheme to defraud.
On February 11, 2025, Bannon "pleaded guilty to one state felony count of a scheme to defraud in the first degree and was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge."
February 2025: Bannon's Remarks at CPAC in February 2025
In February 2025, Steve Bannon gave pro-Trump remarks at a Conservative Political Action Conference meeting, ending it with what appeared to some as a Nazi salute, leading to Jordan Bardella canceling his scheduled speech.
February 2025: Bannon Pleads Guilty to Felony Count
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, without any prison time or restitution.
February 25, 2025: Trial date rescheduled again at Bannon's request
On February 25, 2025, at Bannon's request, Newbauer again rescheduled the trial date.
May 2025: Bannon Describes Team as Neo-Brandeisians
In May 2025, Steve Bannon described his team as Neo-Brandeisians and advocated in favor of Lina Khan's administration of the FTC.
May 2025: Bannon Opposes Bipartisan Anti-BDS Proposal
In May 2025, Steve Bannon voiced opposition to a bipartisan proposal that would expand anti-BDS laws punishing the boycott Israel.
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