Trump Ally, Bannon, Asks the Supreme Court to Delay His 4-month Prison Sentence

Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, requested the Supreme Court on Friday to delay his prison sentence while he appeals his convictions for defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the U.S. Capitol attack. 

This request followed a federal appeals court panel's decision to reject his bid to avoid reporting to prison by July 1 for his four-month sentence. Chief Justice John Roberts, who handles emergency appeals from Washington, D.C., received the request.

Previously, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols delayed Bannon’s prison term during his appeal, but ordered him to turn himself in after the appeals court upheld his contempt of Congress convictions.

Bannon was convicted nearly two years ago on two counts of contempt of Congress for refusing to sit for a deposition and provide documents related to Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Bannon has argued that his case is politically motivated and raises serious constitutional issues that should be reviewed by the Supreme Court. 

His attorney, David Schoen, emphasized the constitutional concerns, while another lawyer argued Bannon was negotiating with the committee when charged and believed the subpoena invalid due to Trump's asserted executive privilege.

Bannon’s lawyers claim there is significant public interest in allowing him to remain free ahead of the 2024 election, as he is a top adviser to Trump’s campaign. 

Meanwhile, a second Trump aide, Peter Navarro, has already served his four-month sentence for similar charges after the Supreme Court refused his delay request. Bannon is also facing criminal charges in New York for allegedly defrauding donors to a border wall project, with his trial postponed until at least the end of September.
Source: AP 
Image: Fox 59