By Sara Murray and Sabrina Shulman
Steve Bannon, former White House strategist and staunch ally of Donald Trump, was released from federal prison early Tuesday, re-emerging with just a week to go before the 2024 presidential election. Bannon, who served a four-month sentence after his conviction on contempt of Congress charges, returned to his podcast “War Room” later that day, reaffirming his commitment to Trump’s campaign and vowing to mobilize his audience for a critical last-week push.
Bannon was initially sentenced in 2022 for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. Throughout his sentence, Bannon maintained virtual contact with a select circle of loyalists, often discussing political strategy and ensuring “War Room” continued on-air with guest hosts. Despite his efforts, the podcast’s popularity dipped during his absence, falling off the charts, though it has begun to climb again in recent days.
Stepping back into his role, Bannon’s return marks a pivotal moment for the Trump campaign. “They tried to break me, but it only made me stronger,” he said on his show Tuesday morning, claiming that his time in prison was a political maneuver aimed at silencing him. He called for supporters to show up at the polls to ensure a decisive victory for Trump, hinting at concerns over election integrity.
The “War Room” audience has long been a mix of fervent Trump supporters and right-leaning independents, but analysts believe Bannon’s influence could peak post-Election Day, should election results face dispute. “Bannon is uniquely positioned to rally his audience in moments of political uncertainty,” said Madeline Peltz of Media Matters. “His brand of fiery, conspiratorial rhetoric continues to resonate deeply within the MAGA base.”
To celebrate Bannon’s return, longtime supporter and “War Room” guest Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow, announced special discounts for podcast listeners, symbolizing the loyalty of Bannon’s following. As Bannon gears up for his first post-release rally in New York, he is likely to be a prominent figure, not just in the final days of the election, but in the anticipated turbulence that could follow.
Bannon’s release and renewed vigor add a complex layer to an already charged election, as his media platform continues to stir and galvanize the far-right, keeping him at the center of political discourse in this critical election cycle.
