Steve Bannon will spend this Independence Day anything but independent.
The former political aide to former Donald Trump reported to federal prison to serve a four-month sentence on Monday, USA Today reported.
Bannon was convicted of contempt of Congress after defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
“I am proud of going to prison today,” Bannon said outside the prison in Danbury, Connecticut. “If this is what it takes the stand up to tyranny, if this way it takes the stand up to the Garland corrupt criminal DOJ, if this is what it takes to stand up to Nancy Pelosi, if this is what it takes to stand up to Joe Biden, I’m proud to do it. “
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 1, 2024
LISTEN: Steve Bannon gives a powerful speech outside of the Connecticut prison he will be held in followed by a beautiful moment of prayer:
"I am proud to go to prison. If this is what it takes to stand up to tyranny. If this is what it takes to stand up to the Garland… pic.twitter.com/aRZqvZn7lp
Bannon, a podcaster, was convicted in July 2022. He was sentenced to four months in prison and fined $6,500.
Supporters, including Rep. Margorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., held a roadside news conference Monday morning outside the prison.
Republican Senate candidate Royce White, former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince, and a priest were also present, according to ABC News.
“What group of pirates is out here today,” he said.
Greene called the situation “political persecution.”
“It’s a political war, and it’s a political persecution, and it shouldn’t be happening” Greene said.
A small group chanted, “Trump won.”
Bannon told ABC News, “I’m a political prisoner.”
“I have not only no regrets,” Bannon said, “I’m actually proud of what I did, I’d feel terrible if I didn’t do it. I don’t mind going to prison today.”
Bannon was one of two former Trump aides who were convicted of defying the committee.
Peter Navarro, the other aide, is now serving a four-month sentence in a federal prison in Miami.
He should be released July 17.
On Friday, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts denied an emergency request to postpone the sentence as his appeal continues.
His lawyer said Bannon will serve his term before the courts reach a decision.
