Steve Bannon Teaches Civics to Fellow Inmates During Prison Sentence

Danbury, Connecticut – Steve Bannon, the former chief strategist for Donald Trump, found himself teaching civics classes at the Federal Correctional Institution Danbury during his prison sentence. Bannon, who was convicted of contempt of Congress, began his teaching assignment shortly after arriving at the facility.

Inmates flocked to Bannon’s classes, which met up to five days a week, with attendance sometimes reaching 50 inmates. The lessons covered American history and its founding principles, showcasing Bannon’s unique perspective as a political figure within the prison walls.

“And they say we’re the criminals?” one inmate asked during a class on the Federal Reserve and national debt, reflecting the ironic twist of Bannon teaching about democracy to those serving time for various offenses.

Bannon, 70, had been sentenced to serve four months after defying a subpoena from the congressional committee investigating the January 6 attack. His detention in Danbury was a stark contrast to other minimum-security prisons where he might have been placed. Bannon, who attracted significant media attention, used his time in prison to foster connections with fellow inmates, some of whom had serious criminal backgrounds.

In multiple interviews following his release, Bannon claimed his prison experience solidified his political beliefs and his stance on issues he viewed as relevant to America’s future. “I am proud to go to prison,” Bannon stated on the day he reported to serve his sentence, emphasizing his commitment to his political ideals.

In addition to his teaching, Bannon also found ways to communicate with the outside world, albeit through coded messages, to ensure he remained connected to Trump’s campaign and his political network. “I had just a system to get to Boris, kind of in quasi-code,” he explained, looking back on his ability to maintain communications with allies while incarcerated.

After his release on October 29, 2024, just days before the presidential election, Bannon resumed his role in politics almost immediately. His insights on the political landscape continued to capture attention, as he expressed his belief about the state of the nation and the electoral process.

Bannon’s influence in the MAGA movement remains notable, with connections that have enabled him to play a crucial role even during his incarceration. As he reflects on his prison sentence, he highlights lessons learned about social issues, including mass incarceration, further revealing the complexities of his character and political journey.