Former White House adviser Steve Bannon's state trial on charges of defrauding donors in the “We Build the Wall” campaign has been postponed to Feb. 25, 2025, due to the introduction of new evidence by prosecutors.

Charges in the case allege that Bannon and his associates misused funds raised for a private effort to construct a U.S.-Mexico border wall, and the trial delay was granted after prosecutors presented new evidence suggesting that $600,000 of campaign funds were used to settle unrelated credit card debt linked to Bannon, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The trial, initially scheduled for Dec. 9, was postponed following a request from Bannon’s defense team for additional time to prepare their response to the new evidence.

The evidence, dating back to 2019, involved financial transactions from a separate nonprofit associated with Bannon. Judge April Newbauer approved the rescheduling during a recent hearing in Manhattan.

Bannon’s Legal Troubles and Public Profile

The state charges against Bannon stem from allegations that he and others deceived donors who contributed to the “We Build the Wall” campaign.

The campaign, launched during Donald Trump’s first presidential term, sought private funding to build portions of a border wall -- one of Trump’s key policy objectives. Prosecutors claim that funds raised were misused for personal expenses rather than construction efforts, misleading donors about the true use of their contributions.

Bannon, who participated virtually in the hearing, confirmed he understood the new trial date but refrained from making further comments. Defense attorneys emphasized the need for “extra time to respond” to the recently disclosed evidence.

Juror Anonymity and High-Profile Nature of Case

Prosecutors have also requested that jurors remain anonymous, citing concerns about the high-profile nature of the case and its connection to Bannon’s public and political persona. Judge Newbauer has yet to make a decision on this request, leaving the possibility of additional pretrial motions on the matter.

This state trial mirrors a related federal prosecution from 2020, in which Bannon and two associates were indicted on similar charges involving the “We Build the Wall” campaign. While Bannon received a presidential pardon from Trump in 2021, shielding him from federal prosecution, his two associates were later convicted and sentenced to prison in 2023.

Connections Between State and Federal Matters

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg, charged Bannon in 2022 with conspiracy, money laundering, fraud, and related crimes.

The state case effectively picks up where the federal case left off following Trump’s pardon. Prosecutors argue that Bannon played a central role in siphoning funds intended for border wall construction, misappropriating them for unrelated personal and organizational debts.

The $600,000 in question represents a significant new development in the case. According to prosecutors, this amount was funneled through a nonprofit tied to Bannon in 2019 to cover existing credit card liabilities, raising further questions about the management of donor funds.

Defense Team Pushes Back on New Evidence

Bannon’s legal team has focused on challenging the new evidence, arguing that it requires additional time for thorough review and response. They maintain that the accusations against Bannon are unfounded and that he has consistently acted within legal bounds. Bannon has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Judge Newbauer acknowledged the defense’s concerns, stating that the postponement would ensure both sides have adequate time to prepare for trial. She also noted that relocating the trial remains a possibility, as raised by Bannon’s legal team in recent filings.

Broader Implications of Case

The “We Build the Wall” campaign has been a flashpoint for controversy since its inception. Positioned as a grassroots initiative, it attracted millions of dollars in donations from individuals who supported Trump’s border wall proposal. However, the campaign has faced scrutiny for its lack of transparency and alleged misuse of funds, as highlighted in both federal and state investigations.

While Bannon’s presidential pardon effectively closed the federal case against him, the state charges represent an independent legal avenue. New York law does not permit pardons for state-level crimes, allowing the Manhattan District Attorney to pursue the case despite Trump’s intervention at the federal level.

Trial Date Marks New Phase In Legal Battle

With the trial now set for early 2025, attention will turn to pretrial motions and the broader implications of the case for Bannon’s political and public standing. Prosecutors’ efforts to introduce additional evidence and secure anonymous jurors underscore the high stakes involved.

The outcome of the trial could have significant ramifications for how nonprofit organizations are regulated and how public figures like Bannon are held accountable in cases of alleged financial misconduct. For now, the delay provides both sides with time to refine their arguments as they prepare for a closely watched legal showdown.