Steve Bannon Pleads Guilty to Online Fraud in ‘Build the Wall’ Fundraiser, Wants Political Enemies Investigated
Bannon Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge
Steve Bannon, former White House Strategist during President Trump’s first term, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to defrauding New Yorkers through an online fundraiser dubbed “We Build the Wall.”
Bannon arrived at Manhattan Supreme Court Tuesday morning with a smile on his face. Walking through the corridors, he instantly commented to waiting journalists on Trump’s second term.
“Days of thunder!” he exclaimed, passing by press photographers.
The Plea Deal
Bannon pleaded guilty to a felony charge. Through the plea deal, Bannon will not serve any jail time and receive a conditional discharge, but Bannon cannot serve as a director of a charity or fundraise for a nonprofit. He is also prohibited from using data gathered from “We Build the Wall” donors.
The Fraudulent Fundraiser
The Trump confidant was first indicted in 2022 on state charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud in connection to the “We Build the Wall” fundraiser that asked for donations under the guise of building a US-Mexico border wall. Prosecutors say Bannon and others raised over $15 million by falsely claiming that none of the money would be used to pay the salary of one of the founders.
The Consequences
As part of the plea deal, Bannon’s guilty plea carries a maximum sentence of five to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, due to the plea deal, Bannon will not face any jail time and will instead receive a conditional discharge.
Bannon’s Reaction
After leaving the courtroom, Bannon told amNewYork Metro that he felt like “a million dollars” before repeating “days of thunder.”
Bannon’s Demand for Investigation
Outside the courthouse, Bannon stopped to deliver a speech to the media defending Trump. Holding up a copy of the New York Times, he not only railed in defense of the President, he demanded that Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi launch an investigation into state Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
FAQs
* What did Steve Bannon plead guilty to?
+ Bannon pleaded guilty to a felony charge of Scheme to Defraud in connection to the “We Build the Wall” fundraiser.
* What was the “We Build the Wall” fundraiser?
+ The “We Build the Wall” fundraiser was an online campaign that raised over $15 million by falsely claiming that none of the money would be used to pay the salary of one of the founders.
* What are the consequences of Bannon’s guilty plea?
+ As part of the plea deal, Bannon will not face any jail time and will instead receive a conditional discharge. He is also prohibited from serving as a director of a charity or fundraising for a nonprofit and cannot use data gathered from “We Build the Wall” donors.
