Steve Bannon has forecasted that Donald Trump “is going to prison” unless “we” secure victory in the 2028 presidential election.
During a Thursday appearance on his War Room podcast, Trump’s former White House chief strategist shared these comments.
Newsweek reached out to Bannon for comments via an email directed to War Room on Friday outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
Trump holds the distinction of being the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a felony; should he face imprisonment after his second term, it would mark an unprecedented moment in American political history, which would likely meet fierce resistance from his supporters.
What To Know
On his War Room podcast, Bannon stated: “God forbid we don’t win in 2028, President Trump is going to prison just like Bolsonaro in Brazil.”
In February, Brazil’s chief prosecutor filed charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro with five counts, including an attempt to instigate a coup following his defeat to Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election. A Brazilian Supreme Court panel recently ruled unanimously to advance the case to trial, while Bolsonaro strongly denies any wrongdoing.
Bolsonaro had a warm relationship with Trump and was referred to as the “Trump of the Tropics” by various media outlets.
Bannon further predicted that if Republicans lose control of the House in the 2028 midterm elections, Trump would face a third impeachment attempt. Trump has already been acquitted in two impeachment trials: one in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and another for incitement of insurrection linked to the Capitol Hill riot on January 6, 2021.
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Trump was awaiting sentencing after being found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in May 2024 when he achieved his second presidential election victory in November 2024.
Additionally, he faces charges related to allegations of mishandling classified documents and unlawful attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, both nationally and specifically in Georgia. He has denied all wrongdoing in these three cases.
Following Trump’s victory, Special Counsel Jack Smith dismissed the federal classified documents and election interference cases, while the Georgia case was deferred until after his presidency. In the case concerning falsifying business records, he was granted an unconditional discharge, which meant no fines or prison time were imposed.
Bannon has already suggested that Trump should campaign for a third term in 2028, despite the 22nd Amendment prohibiting any individual from serving more than two terms. Bannon contends that this only applies to consecutive terms, though this viewpoint is not widely accepted among constitutional scholars.
After his inauguration on January 20, Trump issued pardons to nearly all individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, storming of Congress by his supporters, while a few had their sentences commuted, leading to their release from prison.
What People Are Saying
Steve Bannon stated: “We are fooling ourselves if we believe Democrats aren’t doing everything in their power to thwart President Trump, to regain the House by any means necessary, and to initiate the impeachment process against Trump in the early weeks of 2027. God forbid we fail to win in 2028; President Trump will face prison time, just like Bolsonaro in Brazil.”
“People are still basking in the glow of November 4 and all the celebrations, but we are at war. If you don’t recognize that we are in a political battleground after the past 72 hours, then you’re not fully awake.”
What Happens Next
The 2026 midterm elections will present the first significant electoral challenge for the second Trump administration and may provide insights into the popularity of both Republicans and Democrats ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
