Challenges Faced by Steve Bannon: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Steve Bannon's life and career.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

November 15, 2016: Democrats Urge Trump to Rescind Bannon Appointment

On November 15, 2016, 169 Democratic House representatives urged President-elect Trump to rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon, citing his ties to the White Nationalist movement and alleged xenophobia at Breitbart News. Bannon denied being a white nationalist, calling himself an "economic nationalist".

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.

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.

2019: Italian Government Revokes Rights to Use Monastery

In 2019, the Italian government revoked the Dignitatis Humanae Institute's rights to use the former Trisulti Charterhouse monastery, citing failure to meet operational criteria, pay a "concession fee", and cover maintenance and security expenses.

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.

August 2020: Investigation of Fundraising for GTV Media Group

In August 2020, the Wall Street Journal reported that the fundraising for GTV Media Group, a company co-founded by Steve Bannon and Guo Wengui, was under investigation by federal and state authorities.

2020: Arrested on Federal Charges

In 2020, Bannon was arrested on federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering connected to the We Build the Wall fundraising campaign.

January 20, 2021: China Imposes Sanctions Against Bannon

On January 20, 2021, the Chinese government imposed sanctions against Steve Bannon and 27 other Trump administration officials for actions that "gravely interfered in China's internal affairs."

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 2022: Convicted of Contempt of Congress

In July 2022, Bannon was convicted of contempt of Congress and sentenced to four months in prison and a $6,500 fine for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the January 6 House select committee.

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.

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.

July 2023: Bannon Ordered to Pay Legal Fees

In July 2023, Steve Bannon was ordered to pay the remaining balance of legal fees to Davidoff, Hutcher & Citron LLP, who represented him in cases for contempt of Congress and the "We Build the Wall" fraud scheme.

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.

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.

October 2024: Imprisonment in Federal Prison

In October 2024, after losing his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, Bannon was released from federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut, where he had been imprisoned since July 2024.