On Tuesday, one week before Election Day, Steve Bannon, former White House strategist under President Trump and host of War Room, will be released from Connecticut’s federal prison FCI Danbury.
He has been serving a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with a subpoena from the January 6 Committee.
National Pulse editor-in-chief Raheem Kassam, a close ally of Bannon, suggests Bannon will return with an intensified mission to challenge the “administrative state.”
“Expect to see a newly invigorated Stephen K. Bannon, more determined than ever,” Kassam told NOTUS, adding that Bannon is expected to hit the campaign trail immediately and host his four-hour daily show, War Room.
“Every second will count. Every word will matter,” he emphasized, noting he’s been in regular contact with Bannon throughout his sentence.
Bannon initially reported to FCI Danbury on July 1 after his conviction for contempt of Congress, having defied a subpoena requesting documents related to the January 6 investigation.
At the time, Bannon cited executive privilege as the reason for his refusal, though Trump later waived this privilege. However, Bannon was still charged, convicted, and sentenced.
He sought to appeal his conviction, requesting to delay his prison term until his appeal was resolved, but these efforts were denied.
While serving time, Bannon pursued release under the First Step Act, a 2018 reform bill designed to reduce sentences and emphasize rehabilitation for non-violent offenders.
The act allows inmates to earn time credits through participation in educational and vocational programs. By September, Bannon had reportedly accrued sufficient credits to be released 10 days early.
Despite this, acting Warden Darek Puzio denied the request, explaining that Bannon’s short sentence did not provide enough time to process the necessary approval for home confinement.
At FCI Danbury, Bannon’s presence attracted the attention of many inmates, who regarded him as somewhat of a “celebrity.”
Fred Carrasco Jr., a fellow inmate serving a lengthy sentence for armed drug trafficking, described Bannon’s daily activities, saying, “He walks the track every day,” and noted that inmates often approached him with a range of questions.
Some inquired about Trump, while others sought insight into conspiracy theories, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
“It’s awesome, the stuff this guy knows,” Carrasco said, expressing admiration for Bannon’s wealth of political knowledge.
With his release, Bannon is expected to dive back into his high-profile role as a key figure in conservative media.
Close allies predict he will make an immediate impact, fueling political conversations in the final week leading up to the midterm elections.
His War Room show, which became a crucial platform for conservative organizing, is expected to expand even further as Bannon returns to address topics ranging from election integrity to government reform.
As the midterms approach, his influence within Trump-aligned circles and his promise to challenge what he calls the “administrative state” signal that Bannon’s return will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.