Steve Bannon, former White House strategist and media executive, has revealed that he played a role in helping a former Mafia hitman gain early release from federal prison. The man in question, Vito Guzzo, a convicted member of the Colombo crime family, served 26 years of a 38‑year sentence for multiple murders and violent crimes before being released in 2025.
Steve Bannon’s described Guzzo as “the single biggest Trump fan you’ve ever seen” and said their unusual friendship began while both were incarcerated. Bannon, who himself faced prison time for contempt of Congress, shared insights into how their connection influenced his perspective on criminal justice reforms, including the First Step Act.
Table of Contents
Who is Vito Guzzo?
Vito Guzzo was a prominent member of the Colombo crime family, one of New York’s notorious Mafia organizations. Guzzo pleaded guilty to five murders, attempted murders, and other crimes in 1998. He spent over two decades behind bars, largely in federal prisons.
According to ABC News, Guzzo earned early release under the First Step Act, a bipartisan law signed by former President Donald Trump in 2018 aimed at reducing recidivism and offering rehabilitative programs for federal inmates.
Bannon emphasized that Guzzo’s loyalty to Trump was “unmatched” and suggested that this admiration played a role in how he viewed the law’s impact on political alliances and personal relationships.
Steve Bannon’s Role and Perspective
Steve Bannon’s public statements highlight the unusual nature of his relationship with Guzzo. He said that while he did not advocate breaking the law, he witnessed Guzzo’s transformation and believed in the possibility of rehabilitation.
“He’s a remarkable man, and the fact that he’s been a lifelong Trump supporter makes this story unusual — but it’s also about second chances and understanding people behind their reputations,” Bannon said in an interview.
The former strategist clarified that he did not have official authority to release Guzzo, but he provided guidance, mentorship, and political connections that helped navigate the legal and bureaucratic processes leading to early release.
Legal Context: First Step Act
The First Step Act was designed to reduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent offenses and provide credits for good behavior and participation in rehabilitative programs. Guzzo’s release is an example of the law in practice, demonstrating how long-term sentences can be shortened under federal guidelines.
Critics of the law argue that it can allow violent offenders, like Guzzo, to leave prison early. Supporters say it addresses over-incarceration and helps integrate rehabilitated individuals back into society.
Steve Bannon’s comments about Guzzo intersect with this debate, as he framed the release as part of a broader narrative of redemption and political awareness.
Public Reaction and Controversy
The story has sparked intense discussion online. Many were surprised by the friendship between a high-profile political strategist and a former Mafia hitman. Some praised Steve Bannon’s for acknowledging Guzzo’s admiration for Trump and his rehabilitation efforts. Others criticized the narrative as glamorizing organized crime.
Legal experts note that Guzzo’s release followed all federal guidelines, and Steve Bannon’s involvement was advisory rather than official, emphasizing that the outcome was legally sanctioned.
Broader Implications
This story underscores the intersections between politics, criminal justice, and personal networks. Bannon’s account highlights how personal connections and advocacy can influence public perception of legal processes.
While the Steve Bannon Mafia hitman story is controversial, it also offers a glimpse into the human dimensions behind headline-making figures and criminal justice reforms.
Conclusion
Steve Bannon’s revelations about Vito Guzzo’s early release bring attention to the complexities of federal prison reform, political loyalties, and the potential for rehabilitation. The story illustrates how even notorious individuals can interact with high-profile political operatives, shaping narratives about justice, loyalty, and second chances.