Steve Bannon seeks a court ruling to stay out of prison as he appeals his contempt conviction ahead of the 2024 election.
On Tuesday, former White House strategist Steve Bannon filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, seeking to delay his prison sentence while he continues to appeal his conviction on contempt of Congress charges. The motion requests that the appeals court overrule a lower court’s order, which mandates that he begin serving his four-month sentence on July 1.
Bannon’s conviction stems from his refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House January 6 Committee in 2022. He was charged with two counts of contempt for failing to testify and provide documents requested by the committee. Bannon had been subpoenaed to testify about his involvement in events surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot, but he did not appear, citing executive privilege, a claim that was ultimately rejected by the courts.
In his filing, Bannon’s legal team argues that serving the sentence before his appeal is resolved would severely restrict his ability to act as a “meaningful adviser” in the lead-up to the 2024 election. His attorneys emphasized the importance of his role in advising former President Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in conservative political circles. According to Bannon’s team, imprisonment would significantly hinder his capacity to participate in election-related activities.
Bannon’s legal team has asked the appeals court to issue a ruling on the motion quickly—preferably by next Tuesday—to allow time for any further appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. The motion reflects the urgency of Bannon’s efforts to delay his sentence until all appeals have been exhausted. Bannon’s attorneys argue that the appeal is meritorious and that there is a significant chance of success in overturning the conviction, especially given the political nature of the case.
The case has drawn attention due to its political ramifications, particularly as Bannon remains a prominent figure in the Republican Party. His involvement in strategic planning for the 2024 election has made his legal battle a point of interest for both supporters and critics of the former president. If Bannon’s appeal is successful, it could set a precedent for others facing similar charges related to the January 6 Committee’s investigation.
Bannon was convicted in July 2022, and his sentencing was scheduled for later that year. Since then, his legal team has pursued multiple appeals, arguing that the charges against him were politically motivated. Bannon’s case has become one of the most high-profile legal battles stemming from the investigation into the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
In a final move before his impending sentence, Bannon’s attorneys are pushing for a quick decision from the court to allow him to continue his work in the political sphere without interruption. The urgency of the case is heightened by the upcoming election and Bannon’s key role in the political landscape as a strategist and supporter of Trump. His legal battle remains a closely watched matter, as it may have lasting consequences for both his career and the broader political climate leading into the 2024 election cycle.