In a recent development, Steve Bannon’s upcoming criminal fraud trial in New York will no longer be overseen by Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over Donald Trump’s hush money trial. A new judge, April Newbauer, has been assigned to take over Bannon’s case.
As Bannon prepares to report to prison next Monday for defying a congressional subpoena in a separate case, the reassignment of judges was necessary due to conflicting schedules. Judge Ellen Biben explained in an email that the reassignment “will best serve the needs of the Court.”
Bannon’s legal team was informed of the change on Friday, with his next court appearance set for July 23 before Judge Newbauer. Previously, Judge Merchan had presided over Bannon’s case since his arraignment in September 2022, but a scheduling conflict arose as he is expected to preside over a six-defendant trial starting in September.
Bannon is facing charges of defrauding donors in the “We Build the Wall” campaign, pleading not guilty to state charges including money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud. These charges stem from an alleged online scheme to raise funds for a border wall between the US and Mexico, which raised over $15 million. Despite being pardoned by Trump for federal charges related to the same conduct in 2020, the state charges still stand as presidential pardons do not apply to state investigations.
