Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon will face trial in New York on criminal fraud charges related to the “We Build the Wall” fundraising campaign after a judge denied his motion to dismiss.
Bannon, 70, is accused of laundering money and conspiracy for allegedly deceiving donors who contributed over $15 million to fund the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg, claims Bannon funneled donations to co-defendant Brian Kolfage, despite promises that all funds would be used for construction.
Bannon’s legal team argued that donors supported the project regardless of minor fund redirections, noting that miles of wall were built in New Mexico and Texas.
This trial, set to begin on December 9, stems from similar conduct as Bannon’s 2020 federal case, for which he was pardoned by Trump. Kolfage, who admitted to misusing funds for personal luxuries, is serving over four years in prison.
Bannon remains defiant, calling the prosecution politically motivated. He is currently serving a federal sentence for defying a congressional subpoena related to the January 6 Capitol attack.
