In a tweet, Maureen Bannon shared an old photograph of her as a child with her father.
“To the world my dad is one person, but to me he is the world,” she wrote. “My dad has always stood with me and I will always stand with him.”
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Green of Georgia tweeted “I stand with Steve Bannon.”
Trump-endorsed Congressional candidate in Washington Joe Kent tweeted a picture with Bannon to show his support.
“This is bigger than Bannon, our corrupt government is jailing political dissidents and weaponizing the national security state against law abiding citizens,” he said. “We won’t allow this to continue.”
Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik accused the Justice Department of abusing its power, noting disparities between how Bannon and Hunter Biden are treated by federal law enforcement authorities.
“Steve Bannon gets sentenced to prison, and Hunter Biden is still a free man,” he said in a tweet. “There’s no greater example of an abuse of power and political weaponization of the US Department of Justice in the FBI than this.”
Congressional Republicans claim there is a “double standard” within the DOJ when dealing with subpoena compliance.
The Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee shared a tweet from Representative Darrell Issa noting the differences in out how DOJ punished Democrats and Republicans who defy subpoenas.
“When Eric Holder and Lois Lerner defy Congressional subpoenas, the DOJ does nothing,” Issa tweeted on Oct. 17. “But the DOJ goes after Republicans with indictments and prison.”
One protester was seen holding a sign that read “traitor,” another repeatedly yelled “traitor” as Bannon left the courthouse.
His lawyer, David Schoen, told reporters that his client’s “silence” in court was at his direction.
Outside the courtroom after receiving his sentence, Bannon said he testified in the Mueller Commission, the House Intelligence Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee “more than anyone” in the Trump administration during the investigation into Trump’s alleged involvement with Russia.
He said his lawyers “worked through the issue of [executive] privilege” and he willingly testified, disputing claims from the prosecution that he believes he is above the law.
“This thing that I’m above the law is an absolute and total lie,” Bannon said.
He said that “today was my judgement day by the judge,” adding that he will have a “very vigorous appeals process.”
He then shifted focus to upcoming elections.
“On November 8, they’re gonna have judgment on the illegitimate Biden regime and quite frankly that Nancy Pelosi and the entire [January 6] Committee,” he said.
Bannon said committee members have “already been turfed out,” like Republican Representative Liz Cheney, or have quit, like Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger.
He said remaining members will either “be beat” in upcoming midterms, like Democratic Representative Elaine Luria or will “lose their power an become the minority” like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“This is democracy,” Bannon said.
He said the American people are “weighing and measuring” the actions of the Justice Department and the Committee.
“They are weighing and measuring that right now and they will vote on November 8,” he said. “On November 8, the American people will wage judgment and we will prove the Biden administration ends of the evening of the 8th of November.”
He added that Attorney General Merrick Garland will be the first Attorney General “that is brought up on charges of impeachment and he will be removed from office.”
Protesters were heard shouting “lock him up” and “traitor” at Bannon as he drove away from the courthouse.
David Schoen, Bannon’s lawyer, thanked the judge for listening and respects his decision in this case.
Bannon indicated he will appeal this sentencing.
“I believe the appeal in this case is bulletproof,” Schoen said, adding that the Constitutional issues in this case are “very important.”
Schoen said it was “an extraordinary move” to permit a stay-pending appeal, calling it “the appropriate move.”
He said the standard for such a ruling requires the case to raise substantial issues that reasonable jurist could differ over, meaning “is there a solid chance for an appeal to be successful.”
“There certainly is more than that in this case,” he added.
Schoen said Bannon never got to explain the reasons for his actions in response to the Congressional subpoena.
“Mr. Bannon never got to tell his story because the government insisted from day one on prohibiting any discussion to go before the jury as to why Mr. Bannon reacted as he did to the subpoena on the advice of counsel,” he said.
Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, will remain free pending the appeal. The judge also imposed a $6,500 fine.
Bannon was sentenced to four months in prison for defying a subpoena from the Jan. 6 House Committee.
He said “the events of Jan. 6 were undeniably serious,” noting how rioters “used violence against law enforcement officers and engaged in vandalism.”
“The Jan. 6 Committee thus has every reason to investigate what happened that day,” he said.
Nichols said Steve Bannon “has not produced a single document to the committee” and “has not provided any testimony on any topic.”
At the time of the subpoena, Nichols said Bannon was a private citizen who was not employed in the executive branch “for several years.” He adds that Bannon was “less likely” to have privileged information.
Nichols said there were some records for which “no conceivable claim of executive privilege could be made” by Bannon.
It was conceivable, however, that some of Bannon’s documents or testimony could have been covered by executive privilege, Nichols said. He also noted Bannon was listening to his counsel.
“While his counsel’s advice may have been overly aggressive or misguided it does appear to at least some extent that Mr. Bannon was following that advice,” Nichols said, noting this cuts in his favor.
The judge said the Jan. 6 Committee did not attempt to sue Bannon, instead “moving quickly to to hold him in contempt and pursue a criminal prosecution.”
Nichols reiterated that Bannon has not taken responsibility for his actions, but added that Bannon has been compliant with the conditions of release. The judge also said he wants this case to be a general deterrence for the public to understand the importance of cooperative with Congressional investigations.
Nichols said “respect for Congress is of course an important piece of our Constitutional system.”
“Flaunting congressional subpoenas betrays a lack of respect for the legislative branch,” he added.
This is a middle ground between the state’s recommendation for six months and a $200,000 fine and Bannon’s hope for probation.
The judge said Bannon does not have to serve his jail time until his appeals process.
As Nichols recaps arguments, he said “the January 6 Committee has every reason to investigate what happened that day,” according to reporters in the courtroom.
“Mr. Bannon has not produced a single document to the committee… and has not provided any testimony on any topic.”
He added that at the time Bannon was subpoenaed, he was a “private citizen who was not employed” in the executive branch “for several years.”
Schoen said Clark is “nothing but a thug” and called him “one of the Three Stooges.”
“You wouldn’t believe a thing he says,” he told the judge. “He has lied to me personally. He has ripped me off personally.”
Once Schoen concluded his argument, Judge Nickolas gave Steve Bannon the opportunity to speak.
“My lawyers have spoken for me, your honor,” Bannon said.
The court is now in a brief recess; the judge is expected to announce a decision soon.
Bannon’s attorney David Schoen called out the state’s “outrageous overreaching” and repeated that Bannon was following the advice of his counsel.
According to reporters in the courtroom, Judge Nicholas was taking notes.
Then Judge Nicholas interrupted Schoen to ask if Bannon produced nonprivileged documents to the January 6th Committee, a year after being subpoenaed.
Schoen said that is correct and went on to explain.
He accused prosecutors of wanting to punish Bannon for speaking out against the Committee for its “partisan, political-agenda.”
Schoen said a federal lawyer “flat out lied” to get the telephone records of Bannon’s other lawyer Robert Costello. He added that the Justice Department identified the wrong Robert Costello’s email to a judge and got records they shouldn’t have in order to obtain communication logs from Bannon’s lawyer.
“That’s a lie to a federal judge,” he said. “That demeans the integrity of this process.”
Schoen added that “speaking the truth” about the “illegitimate” committee is an “obligation.”
“It is very important for the court and the world to know Mr. Bannon stands for the Constitution,” Steve Bannon’s lawyer David Schoen said.
Schoen presented a letter from Donald Trump’s counsel claiming he was asserting executive privilege.
“The letter speaks for itself,” he said. “It plainly says in there that executive privilege has been invoked, and he should follow that to the fullest extent of the law.”
Schoen said Bannon never thought he was acting unlawfully.
“Never at any time did Mr. Bannon believe in any way, shape or form, that he was acting in any way that was unlawful or against the law,” he said.
“I hope that no American buys into just about anything Mr. Cooney just said, except that Mr. Bannon ought to be treated like any other citizen who gets a subpoena from Congress,” he said.
Schoen repeatedly claimed Bannon has not been treated justly by the federal government thus far.
“It’s a case in which, quite frankly, Mr. Bannon should make no apology.,” Schoen added.
He said there is “nothing here to deter” and “nothing here to punish.”
J.P. Cooney said the state is seeking a six-month sentence and a fine of $200,000.
The maximum fine “amplifies his contempt for the law,” Conney said, adding that Bannon “invited” that amount and “the court should take him up on that.”
“The importance of this case has everything to do with the defendant’s obligations as a citizen of the United States,” he said.
Cooney said Bannon “chose hiding behind a fabricated claim of executive privilege and advice of counsel to thumb his nose at Congress.”
“Your Honor, the defendant is not above the law,” Cooney added.
Conney also said Bannon’s claim of executive privilege was “merely a smoke screen.”
“He had an interest in making a public spectacle of the committee’s hearings,” he said. “Throughout this entire case the defendant has tried to make it about nothing, but politics and retribution.”
Law & Crime Network’s Adam Klasfeld said Schoen is arguing that there is no mandatory minimum, referencing U.S. Code 192 “Refusal of witness to testify or produce papers.”
Judge Nichols, however, does not agree with this legal theory.
He said the plain language of the law is clear that there is a minimum sentence of one month.
“You’ve made that argument… I’ve rejected it,” Nichols said, Reuters’ Sarah N. Lynch reports from inside the courtroom.
Nicholas began the hearing with a review of the pre-sentencing report provided by the probation office.
He said Steve Bannon will not receive any reductions for acceptance of responsibility, Reuters’ Sarah N. Lynch reported.
Nicholas added that Bannon “has expressed no remorse for his actions.”
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols is presiding over the hearing. Nicholas was appointed by former President Donald Trump.
There will be no witness testimony in court today, according to reporters inside the room.
He was seen smiling and greeting reporters before launching an attack on Biden’s regime.
While being met with cries of “traitor” from protesters, Bannon said: “Remember, this illegitimate regime, their judgement day is on 8 November, when the Biden administration ends.”
Bannon then walks away before turning back and adding: “By the way, and remember: Take down the CCP [Chinese Communist Party.]”
Bannon then turned and entered the courtroom, with one female protester continuing to shout “fascist traitor” at the Trump ally.
While walking to the court, Bannon also appeared to hit out at “global elitists,” although the remarks were unclear.
A picture of the rat, which has Trump’s distinctive yellow hair and red tie, was posted online by NBC News reporter Daniel Barnes.
“Steve Bannon’s sentencing hearing starts at 9am today and DC’s biggest celebrity is here at the courthouse,” Barnes tweeted.
This is not the first time the Trump rat has made public appearance down the years.
The inflatable appeared at a protest in Baltimore, Maryland in 2019 to mark the then-president’s visit to the city after he called it a “rat and rodent infested mess” where “no human being in the world” would want to live.
A similar looking 15 feet tall Trump Rat, created by artist John Post Lee, also appeared in New York and Washington D.C. in 2017 to protest Trump’s presidency.
Photographers lined the street outside the court house as he greeted members of the press.
A small number of people could be heard shouting abuse at Bannon.
Prosecutors argued in legal filings that Bannon had “exploited his notoriety” in public appearances and on his right-wing podcast War Room, as well as openly expressing his “total disregard” for government processes and the law by repeatedly attacking the January 6 committee and their attempts to get him to comply with subpoena.
“Through his public platforms, the Defendant has used hyperbolic and sometimes violent rhetoric to disparage the Committee’s investigation, personally attack the Committee’s members, and ridicule the criminal justice system,” prosecutors wrote.
“The Defendant’s statements prove that his contempt was not aimed at protecting executive privilege or the Constitution, rather it was aimed at undermining the Committee’s efforts to investigate an historic attack on government.”
Following a court appearance last November, Bannon infamously warned that the charges against him will be the “misdemeanor from hell” for Attorney General Merrick Garland, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden.
“We’re going on the offense,” Bannon said. “They took on the wrong guy this time; they took on the wrong guys.”
The congressional committee wanted to speak to Bannon about a meeting of Trump’s allies at the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. on January 5, 2021, during which a plot on how to convince members of Congress not to certify the election for Joe Biden was allegedly discussed.
Bannon was also quoted as saying “all Hell is going to break loose tomorrow” the day before the Capitol attack, the panel said.
On October 13, the committee played an audio clip during its ninth hearing in which Bannon says Trump’s plan was always to declare himself the winner of the 2020 Election, no matter what the result.
“That doesn’t mean he’s the winner, he’s just going to say he’s the winner,” Bannon said just a few days before Election Day in November 2020. “He’s going to sit right there and say they stole it… That’s our strategy.”
The House Select Committee voted unanimously to subpoena former President Donald Trump at the conclusion of its hearing on October 13.
The former White House strategist is appealing against his contempt conviction, with his lawyers arguing that Bannon’s executive privilege defense was based on his “good-faith reliance” on his former attorney’s advice.
Bannon has already asked a judge to delay his sentence while the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rules on his case, which Nichols could grant.
“Every pre-indictment communication in this case was between attorneys. The Select Committee sought service of the subpoena not on Mr. Bannon, but via his attorney, Mr. [Robert] Costello,” Bannon’s attorney Evan Corcoran wrote.
“Based upon clear authority, Mr. Costello provided legal advice to Mr. Bannon. Mr. Costello provided legal justifications for Mr. Bannon’s position to the Select Committee and received responses back from Select Committee attorneys. Mr. Costello provided advice to Mr. Bannon, and Mr. Bannon acted on that advice.”
Evan Corcoran, lawyer for Bannon, argued in his sentencing memorandum that the Donald Trump ally only avoided complying with the congressional subpoena on the advice of his former attorney, Robert Costello, and therefore should not be punished over it.
“Should a person who has spent a lifetime listening to experts – as a naval officer, investment banker, corporate executive, and Presidential advisor – be jailed for relying on the advice of his lawyers?” wrote Corcoran.
“Should a person be jailed where the prosecutor declined to prosecute others who were similarly situated – with the only difference being that this person uses their voice to express strongly held political views? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then a sentence of probation is warranted.”
Bannon also requested that any sentence imposed be served on home confinement, arguing that he qualifies for it under sentencing guidelines.
“Federal judges usually stay within the sentencing guidelines, and they rarely run sentences for similar conduct consecutively.
“Because Bannon has no criminal history and was only convicted of misdemeanors, his advisory guideline range is zero to six months in prison. The government is recommending the high end of that range, or six months.”
Rahmani added that Bannon will certainly receive some jail time over his contempt conviction because of the minimum one-month sentence the offense carries. Bannon’s lawyers are seeking probation, which the Justice Dept opposes.
Today, he could be handed a jail sentence of up to two years, although it is expected he will receive a smaller term.
The Department of Justice has advised that Bannon should receive the “top end” of government sentencing guidelines because of his “sustained, bad-faith contempt” of Congress. He was also criticized for comments made about the situation on his War Room podcast.
