Steve Bannon Begins Prison Sentence Amid Controversy and Support

Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon has begun a four-month sentence after surrendering at a federal prison in Connecticut. Bannon, found guilty of defying a congressional subpoena, called himself a 'political prisoner' and was supported by Trump and supporters. His appeal continues, alongside facing separate fraud charges in New York.

Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon was taken into custody on Monday, marking the start of a four-month prison sentence following his surrender at a federal prison. The sentence was handed down for contempt charges stemming from Bannon's refusal to comply with a subpoena in the congressional investigation into the January 6 US Capitol attack.

Bannon arrived at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, around noon. The Bureau of Prisons confirmed his official induction into federal custody. Speaking to reporters prior to his surrender, Bannon labeled himself a 'political prisoner' and received vocal support from former President Donald Trump, while criticizing prominent Democrats including Attorney General Merrick Garland.

'I am proud of going to prison,' Bannon declared, asserting he was 'standing up to the Garland corrupt DOJ.' Supporters, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, gathered outside the prison, engaging in chants and holding flags as Bannon spoke. Opposition likewise manifested with protests shouting 'Lock him up!' and 'traitor!' As Bannon's SUV departed, traffic had to be temporarily halted to accommodate the scene's intensity.

A judge had extended Bannon's freedom for nearly two years during his appeal process but mandated his report to prison following the appeals court panel's decision to uphold his contempt of Congress convictions. The Supreme Court rejected his last-minute appeal late last week.

Bannon was convicted on two counts: one for refusing to submit to deposition by the January 6 House Committee, and another for failing to provide related documents. Defence attorneys have raised Supreme Court-level issues, citing contested claims about the validity of the subpoena based on executive privilege supposedly invoked by Trump. Prosecutors argue Bannon was no longer a White House official and executive privilege was never formally enacted.

Despite Bannon's ongoing appeal and continued support from House Republican leaders, who challenge the legitimacy of the Jan. 6 committee, another Trump aide, Peter Navarro, has similarly faced justice. Convicted for contempt of Congress, Navarro began his prison term in March following a Supreme Court denial of his appeal.

Bannon also faces separate criminal charges in New York for allegedly defrauding donors in a fundraising effort to build a US-Mexico border wall. He has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is on hold for now.

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