Ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon leaves prison, says he's "empowered"

What he's saying: Bannon told Axios that he feels "amazing and more importantly empowered" after four months of incarceration.

• He predicted in a text message that former President Trump "will win with [the] chance to win big — complete repudiation of elites."

Driving the news: Bannon was serving a four-month sentence on contempt of Congress charges for refusing to comply with a subpoena related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

• He was released at 3:15am Tuesday from federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons told Axios.

Catch up quick: Bannon reported to prison in early July after the Supreme Court rejected his last-ditch bid to delay his sentence.

• Bannon was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress in July 2022 for defying a subpoena from the Jan. 6 select committee investigating the Capitol riot.
• He has said that he has "no regrets" about his handling of the situation.

Bannon faces additional criminal charges in New York state court, alleging he duped donors who gave money to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, AP notes.

• Bannon has pleaded not guilty to money laundering, conspiracy, fraud and other charges. A trial in that case is scheduled to begin in December.

What's next: Bannon will host his "War Room" podcast today at 10am, and hold a news conference in Manhattan at 3pm.

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