NEW YORK — Right-wing pundit Steve Bannon pleaded guilty to a fraud charge Tuesday in his Manhattan case, admitting he scammed supporters of Donald Trump’s immigration policies during his first term— and dodging prison for it a second time. Bannon, 71, entered a guilty plea to first-degree scheme to defraud at a brief hearing before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer, around a scheme that involved the fundraiser "We Build the Wall," which collected over $25 million from thousands of donors who thought they were contributing to the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Bannon’s guilty plea marked a significant turn of events in a case that has been unfolding for years, with multiple twists and turns that have left many stunned. Prosecutors alleged that Bannon and his co-defendants used the donations for personal expenses, including rent, food, and other personal needs, rather than using the funds for the intended purpose of building the wall.
The "We Build the Wall" fundraiser was launched in 2018, with Bannon serving as the organization’s chairman. The group claimed to be raising money to build a wall along the southern border, a key campaign promise made by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. However, instead of using the funds for the wall, prosecutors alleged that Bannon and his co-defendants used the money to enrich themselves.
Bannon’s guilty plea is the latest development in a case that has been marred by controversy and scandal. In 2020, Bannon was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, along with three other co-defendants. However, in a shocking move, then-President Trump pardoned Bannon just before leaving office, sparking outrage from critics who argued that the pardon was an abuse of power.
Despite the pardon, Manhattan prosecutors pursued state charges against Bannon, arguing that the pardon only applied to federal charges. In a statement, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, "Steve Bannon has admitted to his role in a scheme to defraud thousands of donors who thought they were supporting the construction of a border wall. His guilty plea should serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that our office will continue to hold accountable those who break the law, no matter their position or influence."
Bannon’s lawyer, David Schoen, said in a statement that his client had "taken responsibility for his actions" and was "looking forward to putting this matter behind him." However, the fallout from the case is likely to continue, with many donors and supporters left feeling betrayed and deceived by Bannon’s actions.