Bannon Pleads Guilty in Border Wall Fraud

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.