Former Donald Trump aide Steve Bannon was cheered by supporters as he turned up to prison to begin a four-month jail term on Monday.
The longtime ally of the former president said he was “proud” and had “no regrets” as he formally surrendered to officials at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut.
It comes almost two years since Bannon was found guilty of contempt of Congress.
He has spent the time since lodging a series of appeals against his conviction but lost his final bid for freedom last week.
Supporters – including controversial Republican politician Marjorie Taylor Greene – waved signs and shouted messages of encouragement as Bannon arrived outside the low-security prison at around noon.
The 70-year-old described himself as a “political prisoner” as he spoke to reporters.
“I’m proud of going to prison today. I have not only no regrets, I’m proud of what I did,” he added.
Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks to the media on Monday. Pic: AP
A small group of counter-protesters also shouted “lock him up” and “traitor” as Bannon was driven into the prison.
Bannon, who served as Mr Trump’s chief White House strategist in 2017, was convicted in July 2022 for refusing to appear at a hearing on the 6 January US Capitol riots.
He was also found guilty of a second count of refusing to provide documents related to his involvement in Mr Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to rival Joe Biden.
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The prison term could keep Bannon locked away until just before the US presidential election on 5 November.
Further charges
The podcast host will not be allowed access to the internet or social media while he is behind bars.
In the meantime, his lawyers are expected to continue their appeal efforts in a bid to secure him an early release.
Before serving the former president in the corridors of power, Bannon was a key adviser to Trump‘s 2016 presidential campaign. The pair fell out following his departure from the White House but have since patched up their differences.
Bannon is also facing criminal charges in a New York state court over allegations he duped donors who contributed money to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.
In August 2020 Bannon pleaded not guilty to money laundering, conspiracy, fraud and other charges. The trial has been postponed until at least the end of September.