Steve Bannon, the former Chief Strategist in the Trump administration, recently shared intense details about his four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress, which he began serving at the federal correctional institution in Danbury, Connecticut, on July 1, 2024. As part of a forthcoming book by ABC Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl titled “Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America,” Bannon offered a stark depiction of his time behind bars, highlighting the violent atmosphere of the facility.
In an excerpt from the book published by The Atlantic, Bannon reflected on his time in prison, emphasizing the stark differences between his experience and that of others, particularly mentioning former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. Bannon described the Danbury prison as a “rough” low-medium security facility filled with gang violence, drugs, and stabbings. He recounted shocking incidents, stating, “I saw several inmates ‘take a shiv out and f*cking rip a guy,’” noting the resulting chaos with “blood everywhere.”
Despite the turmoil, Bannon remained resolute in his refusal to cooperate with authorities. Describing his approach to prison life, he remarked, “You answer any question a cop asks you, and you’re done,” underlining his commitment to maintain a code of silence regarding his fellow inmates.
Bannon also conveyed his willingness to bond with fellow prisoners, referring to them as “murderers and f*ckin’ mob hitmen” who became his friends. Notably, he formed a connection with Vito Guzzo, a reputed member of the Columbo crime family, who had been serving a lengthy sentence for multiple murders but was released shortly after Bannon’s own incarceration.
Reflecting on the broader implications of his prison time, Bannon stated that the experience afforded him a unique understanding of various social issues, particularly concerning mass incarceration in the U.S. He pointed out the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Hispanic and Black families and remarked on the staggering reality that many families in these communities have a relative who is incarcerated.
As he prepared to leave prison in October 2024, Bannon positioned himself as a “political prisoner,” challenging what he characterized as a corrupt Justice Department. His experiences in prison have not only shaped his views but also painted a vivid picture of the realities faced by many Americans caught in the criminal justice system.
Bannon’s candid recollections from prison, paired with his reflections on race and incarceration, provide a stark narrative that underscores the complexities of the American legal system while keeping readers engaged in his controversial journey.