Steve Bannon Begins Four-Month Prison Sentence Amid Support and Controversy

Longtime Trump ally, Steve Bannon, began a four-month prison sentence for defying a congressional subpoena regarding the US Capitol attack. Calling himself a 'political prisoner' and with support from Donald Trump, Bannon reported to the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury. His appeal continues despite the Supreme Court refusal.

Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon was taken into custody on Monday after surrendering at a federal prison to begin a four-month sentence on contempt charges for defying a subpoena in the congressional investigation into the US Capitol attack.

Bannon arrived at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, around noon and was formally taken into federal custody, the Bureau of Prisons said.

Speaking to reporters, Bannon described himself as a 'political prisoner', claimed former President Donald Trump was 'very supportive', and criticized Democrats and Attorney General Merrick Garland.

' I am proud of going to prison,' said Bannon, stating he stood up to what he called the 'Garland corrupt DOJ.' Before Bannon surrendered, a small group of supporters, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, gathered outside the prison to show their support. Protesters also made their voices heard, chanting 'Lock him up!' and 'traitor!'

A judge had allowed Bannon to stay free for nearly two years while he appealed but ordered him to report to prison Monday after an appeals court panel upheld his contempt of Congress convictions. The Supreme Court rejected his last-minute appeal on Friday.

A jury found Bannon guilty of two counts of contempt of Congress: one for refusing to sit for a deposition with the Jan. 6 House Committee and another for failing to provide documents related to his involvement in attempting to overturn the 2020 election.

Defence attorneys argue the case raises issues that should be examined by the Supreme Court, including questioning the validity of the subpoena due to executive privilege claims. Prosecutors counter that Bannon had left the White House years before and Trump had never officially invoked executive privilege in this matter.

Bannon's appeal will continue, with Republican House leaders backing efforts to assert that the January 6 committee was improperly formed, thereby questioning the legitimacy of Bannon's subpoena.

Another Trump aide, Peter Navarro, has also been convicted of contempt of Congress and began his four-month sentence in March. Additionally, Bannon faces separate charges in New York state court related to alleged fraud in a border wall fundraising campaign, for which he has pleaded not guilty.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)