Steve Bannon to Stand Trial Over 'We Build the Wall' Fraud Allegations

Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon must face a trial in New York for criminal-fraud charges related to the 'We Build the Wall' fundraising campaign. A judge rejected his motion to dismiss the charges, and the trial is set for Dec. 9. Bannon, currently in federal prison for defying a congressional subpoena, pleaded not guilty.

Former Donald Trump advisor Steve Bannon will face trial in New York on criminal-fraud charges related to the 'We Build the Wall' fundraising campaign, Judge Justice April Newbauer ruled on Friday. This decision denies Bannon's motion to dismiss the charges, paving the way for a trial on Dec. 9, just six weeks after his scheduled release from federal prison. Bannon is serving a four-month sentence for defying a congressional subpoena.

In September 2022, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Bannon with money laundering and conspiracy for deceiving donors who contributed over $15 million to the private drive. Though Bannon pleaded not guilty, Bragg's office claims Bannon diverted funds to the campaign's chief executive, Brian Kolfage, despite Kolfage's promise not to take a salary.

Bannon's legal team argues that funds were transferred to entities Kolfage controlled for legitimate expenses and that the drive successfully constructed parts of the border wall. Notably, Kolfage admitted to using donor money for personal luxuries and is serving a 4-1/4 year prison sentence for federal fraud and tax charges. Bannon, who called himself a 'political prisoner,' was also convicted in 2022 for contempt of Congress over the Jan. 6 Capitol attack investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)