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Bannon Pleads Guilty in Border Wall Fraud
Above: Steve Bannon, former advisor to US Pres. Donald Trump, at a hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court on Feb.11, 2025. Image copyright: Curtis Means/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Steve Bannon, a former advisor to Pres. Donald Trump during his first term, Tuesday pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree scheme to defraud related to the "We Build the Wall" fundraising campaign that collected over $25M from donors.
Under the plea agreement, Bannon received a three-year conditional discharge with no prison time — despite originally facing up to 15 years in prison on multiple felony counts, including money laundering and conspiracy.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office in 2022 charged Bannon with defrauding donors who contributed $15M based on false promises that all funds would go toward building a border wall. Prosecutors alleged the money was diverted for personal use.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This plea deal brings Bannon to justice and protects New York's charities and donors from future fraud. Bannon admitted he deceived supporters and used donations meant for border wall construction in his personal life.