Steve Bannon holds civics class in federal prison: insights revealed
- Steve Bannon, serving a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress, is conducting civics classes in a federal prison.
- His teachings focus on American societal principles, comparing them to the Roman Republic and attracting an audience of inmates who express admiration for his ideas.
- Bannon's charismatic approach and controversial views create a unique dynamic in the prison setting, raising concerns about the influence of his rhetoric.
Steve Bannon, the former Trump strategist, is currently fulfilling a four-month sentence in the United States for contempt of Congress. While incarcerated at Danbury Federal Correctional Institution (FCI), he has taken on the role of instructing a weekly civics class. These classes, according to prison protocol, aim to equip inmates for reintegration into society, but Bannon's sessions have evolved into gatherings for his supporters and those interested in his ideologies. Every Tuesday afternoon, 50 inmates participate in Bannon's classes where he passionately communicates his views on American governance, emphasizing the dangers posed by authoritarian figures. Interestingly, some inmates participate in the discussions by expressing a preference for monarchy, showcasing a surprising inclination within this group towards alternative forms of governance. Bannon’s presentations include claims regarding his own political persecution, which he attributes to Attorney General Merrick Garland, positioning himself as a martyr within a larger political struggle. Amidst his teachings, Bannon frequently mentions Donald Trump, reinforcing a connection with the former president, and even polls the class on their election predictions, announcing a significant lean towards Trump. His classes end with exhortations for political engagement that border on incitement to action, which, while raising alarms, goes unchecked by the prison authorities. Overall, Bannon’s presence in the prison and his civics classes highlight a convergence of politics and criminal justice, sparking discussions about the impact of his rhetoric on a captive audience and the implications for democracy and civic responsibility.