#Steve Bannon says ‘fiasco’ indictment aims to stop border wall construction

A defiant Steve Bannon claimed Thursday that his bombshell indictment on fraud and money-laundering charges was a “fiasco” caused by people who want to block the construction of the border.

As he walked out of Manhattan federal court in Lower Manhattan Thursday, Bannon ripped off his surgical mask before claiming to members of the press that “this entire fiasco is to stop people who want to build the wall.”

About two hours before he emerged from court, Bannon pleaded not guilty to fraud and money laundering charges related to an alleged scheme he and three other people ran to line their pockets with cash donated to a “We Build the Wall” online fundraiser.

The charges were brought by Southern District of New York prosecutors who work for the federal Department of Justice.

Bannon was let go on $5 million bond, which was secured by $1.75 million in assets.

He was met by a handful of vocal supporters waving flags for the “New Federal State of China” government-in-exile that was cooked up earlier this year by Bannon and pal Guo Wengui — on whose yacht Bannon was arrested Thursday.

Southern District of New York prosecutors work for the federal Department of Justice allege the former chief strategist for President Trump personally pocketed $1 million in contributions meant for construction of the project, funneled through a nonprofit under his control.

He’s charged with three other people, including the founder of the fundraiser, Purple Heart recipient Brian Kolfage.

Kolfage, an Air Force veteran and triple amputee, allegedly siphoned off $20,000 a month — and pocketed a $100,000 up-front payment — from the viral GoFundMe fundraiser, which launched in 2018.

Kolfage allegedly spent the illegally obtained cash on a “lavish lifestyle,” buying up luxury items including a boat, jewelry and cosmetic surgery, prosecutors said Thursday.