United States (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to President Donald Trump, forged unusual friendships with convicted murderers and mob hitmen while serving time in Danbury Federal Prison. These associations reveal Bannon’s unique prison experience and ongoing political influence despite incarceration.
Bannon’s Time in Prison and Unusual Alliances
Steve Bannon was sentenced to a four-month term at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, in 2024, following a contempt of Congress conviction linked to the January 6 Capitol attack investigation. Jonathan D. Karl, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent, reports in his forthcoming book Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign that Changed America that Bannon formed close bonds with inmates convicted of violent crimes, including reputed Mafia hitmen and murderers.
Bannon’s interactions were not just casual but involved deep engagement; he taught civics classes to fellow inmates and aligned himself with figures like Vito Guzzo, a Colombo crime family member serving a sentence for five murders. Guzzo, described by Bannon as the “single biggest Trump fan you’ve ever seen,” shared Bannon’s political views and even memorised Trump’s speeches.
Life Inside the Danbury Correctional Institution
Bannon portrayed Danbury as a harsh, “rough” environment filled with gang members, violence, and drug-related activities. According to Bannon’s account, the prison was chaotic, with stabbings and bloodshed observed daily, sharply contrasting the conditions experienced by other former Trump associates such as Michael Cohen.
Despite the difficulties, Bannon found ways to exert political influence from behind bars, reportedly sending coded messages to Trump allies and maintaining connections to the outside world through limited communications authorized in prison.
Influence and Controversy
Bannon’s friendships with violent offenders have stirred debate about his character and influence. Critics argue that associating with gangsters and convicted killers raises questions about his judgement and ethical stance. Supporters contend these relationships offer Bannon unique insights into America’s criminal justice system and the socio-political divisions in the country.
Jonathan Karl’s detailed investigative reporting reveals Bannon’s pragmatic approach to prison life, emphasising survival and strategic networking. These alliances are described as examples of Bannon’s ability to operate effectively in extraordinary and challenging environments, maintaining his status as a key political figure despite incarceration.
Bannon’s Political Messaging and Legacy
From prison, Bannon continued shaping political narratives around the 2024 and upcoming 2026 election cycles. His focus on themes such as America-first policies, anti-establishment rhetoric, and Trump’s enduring popularity remain central to his communications.
Bannon also highlighted systemic inequalities within the justice system, describing how many inmates are there for nonviolent drug offenses while distinguishing himself from violent offenders, even as he formed bonds with some.
Media coverage of Bannon’s prison relationships ranges from fascination to criticism. Outlets like ABC News and The Atlantic provide in-depth analyses of how these connections shaped his prison experience and political strategy. Meanwhile, some commentators express alarm over his ties with criminals, fearing normalization of extremist behaviour within political circles.
Steve Bannon’s prison episode and his close relations with convicted murderers and hitmen shed light on the complexity of his personality and political resilience. These associations illustrate his ability to navigate and influence vastly different arenas—from rural campaigning to hardened prison blocks maintaining relevance amid controversy.
Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
