Donald Trump’s associate is also having trouble getting an early release from prison. The First Step Act allowed Steve Bannon to be released early. The Bureau of Prisons, however, is claiming that processing delays are the reason he was turned down. Bannon is being held in contempt of Congress for the investigations conducted on January 6.
Bannon’s Legal Obstacles
Despite being eligible under the First Step Act, Steve Bannon, the former chief strategist for President Trump, was not granted early release from prison. Enacted in 2018, the law permits some offenders to request early release. According to Bannon’s legal team, he earned enough credits by October 19, 2024, to be eligible for early home confinement. Yet, the Bureau of Prisons cited “insufficient time” to process his request, keeping him incarcerated until October 29, 2024.
With claims that the Department of Justice may single out conservatives for special treatment, the rejection raises questions about possible political bias. When Bannon declined to testify before the January 6 committee, he was sentenced to four months in contempt of Congress.
The Bureau of Prisons on Monday declined to confirm that Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist for the Trump administration, was evaluated for possible reductions in his prison sentence in accordance with the First Step Act of 2018.https://t.co/kvKZcSvyAZ
— Tennessee Star (@TheTNStar) October 21, 2024
DOJ and Processing Delays
Calling the action a “bureaucratic processing delay,” Bannon’s legal team claimed he was wrongfully detained. They contend that his early release ought to be made possible by the First Step Act credits. Bannon emphasized his willingness to go to jail in order to challenge what he believes to be a dishonest Department of Justice when he appealed his conviction to the Supreme Court.
“has accrued ten days’ worth of First Step Act credits” – Bannon’s lawyers
Bannon’s attempts for early release coincide with reports of former President Trump gaining traction among minority voters. Critics highlight that handling of the First Step Act by the Biden-Harris administration could influence voter demographics.
Steve Bannon, the right-wing podcaster and former Donald Trump aide, is set to get out of federal prison next Tuesday despite repeated attempts he and his legal defense team have made for him to be released early.https://t.co/RWxbmFgv42
— 7News Boston WHDH (@7News) October 22, 2024
Bannon’s Political Commentary
As he approaches the end of his sentence, Bannon has been outspoken in his criticism of Kamala Harris, voicing concerns about her record and First Step Act implementation. As the “Queen of Mass Incarceration,” he referred to Harris.
Steve Bannon contends that her actions caused minority groups to be incarcerated for extended periods of time. Bannon argues that without the backing of Black and Hispanic communities, Harris will not be able to win significant state elections.
Discussions concerning the political environment and the DOJ’s alleged impartiality are highlighted by this case. With Bannon appealing to higher courts, the developments may impact wider criminal justice reform efforts and discussions on alleged political bias.
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