Steve Bannon Net Worth and Wife: A Look at the Life of a Controversial Political Figure

Steve Bannon is one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics. Known for his far-right views and instrumental role in Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, Bannon has amassed significant wealth through a combination of finance, media, and political consulting. His influence extends beyond politics, as he has also worked in film production, business, and as an executive at Breitbart News.

In this article, we’ll explore Steve Bannon’s net worth, his career achievements, and some details about his personal life, including his relationships.

Steve Bannon’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Steve Bannon’s net worth is estimated to be around $48 million. Bannon accumulated his wealth through a variety of ventures, including his early career in investment banking, his time in media, and his involvement in politics. While Bannon is most famous for his work as a political strategist, particularly during the 2016 Trump campaign, his financial success stems from several different areas.

1. Investment Banking (Goldman Sachs)

Bannon began his career in finance at Goldman Sachs, one of the world’s largest investment banks. He worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) department in the 1980s, gaining valuable experience in corporate finance and deal-making. Bannon left Goldman Sachs in 1990 to start his own investment firm, Bannon & Co., which focused on media and entertainment deals.

One of Bannon’s most significant financial successes came from a deal involving Castle Rock Entertainment, the production company behind the popular sitcom Seinfeld. Instead of taking a cash payment for his work on the deal, Bannon accepted a small percentage of the Seinfeld royalties. Given the show’s immense success, these royalties became a lucrative and consistent source of income for Bannon.

2. Media and Film Production

After his success in finance, Bannon turned his attention to media. He worked as a producer in Hollywood, helping to finance films and documentaries. Some of his film credits include Titus (1999) and In the Face of Evil: Reagan’s War in Word and Deed (2004), a documentary about former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy.

While Bannon didn’t achieve mainstream success in Hollywood, his work in film provided him with additional income streams and further solidified his understanding of the power of media to shape public opinion.

3. Breitbart News

Steve Bannon’s most notable media venture was his leadership role at Breitbart News, a far-right news and opinion website co-founded by Andrew Breitbart. After Breitbart’s death in 2012, Bannon took over as executive chairman and transformed the site into a platform for nationalist and populist viewpoints.

Under Bannon’s leadership, Breitbart News became one of the most influential conservative media outlets in the U.S., particularly among Trump supporters and the alt-right. The website’s success not only gave Bannon considerable political influence but also added to his financial portfolio.

4. Political Consulting and Populist Movements

Bannon’s most high-profile political achievement was his role as Chief Executive Officer of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Bannon helped craft the campaign’s populist message, which resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, and his influence continued into Trump’s administration, where he served as White House Chief Strategist.

After leaving the White House in 2017, Bannon remained active in global populist movements, advising nationalist political parties and leaders in Europe and beyond. He also founded The Movement, an organization aimed at uniting far-right populist parties across Europe. His work as a political consultant further contributed to his wealth and influence.

Steve Bannon’s Wife and Personal Life

Steve Bannon has been married and divorced three times. His relationships have been the subject of public interest, but Bannon tends to keep his personal life relatively private. Here’s a brief look at his marriages:

1. Cathleen Houff Jordan (First Wife)

Steve Bannon’s first marriage was to Cathleen Houff Jordan. Little is publicly known about their relationship, and the two divorced before Bannon rose to national prominence. They had a daughter together named Maureen, but Bannon has largely kept details of his relationship with Jordan and his daughter out of the public eye.

2. Mary Louise Piccard (Second Wife)

Steve Bannon’s second marriage was to Mary Louise Piccard, a former investment banker. The couple married in 1995 and had twin daughters. However, their marriage was turbulent and ended in divorce in 1997. During their relationship, Piccard accused Bannon of domestic violence, though the charges were later dropped when Piccard did not appear in court.

Despite the allegations, Bannon’s personal life continued largely out of the public spotlight until his rise to political fame.

3. Diane Clohesy (Third Wife)

Bannon’s third marriage was to Diane Clohesy, a former model. The two married in 2006 but divorced in 2009. Like his previous marriages, Bannon’s relationship with Clohesy was private, and not much is publicly known about their time together.

Clohesy has reportedly struggled with personal issues, including substance abuse, and Bannon has remained supportive of her despite their divorce. She has been linked to some of Bannon’s political activities, particularly during his time at Breitbart News.

Controversies and Legal Troubles

Steve Bannon has been involved in several controversies and legal issues throughout his career.

1. “We Build the Wall” Fraud Charges

In 2020, Bannon was arrested on charges of defrauding donors as part of the “We Build the Wall” crowdfunding campaign. The campaign raised millions of dollars from supporters who believed the funds would go toward building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. However, Bannon and his associates were accused of misusing the money for personal expenses.

While Bannon pleaded not guilty to the charges, the case added to his controversial public image. In January 2021, former President Donald Trump pardoned Bannon, which effectively ended the legal proceedings against him.

2. Political and Media Influence

Bannon has remained a divisive figure due to his far-right views and nationalist agenda. His time at Breitbart News and his role in the Trump administration positioned him as a leader of the alt-right, a movement that has been criticized for promoting racist, xenophobic, and anti-immigrant views.

Despite these controversies, Bannon continues to be an influential figure in conservative politics, both in the U.S. and abroad. He remains active in various populist movements and continues to advocate for nationalist causes.

Conclusion

Steve Bannon’s net worth of approximately $48 million reflects his diverse career, which spans finance, media, and politics. While his role in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and his time at Breitbart News have made him a household name, Bannon’s financial success is rooted in his earlier work in investment banking and media production.

Bannon’s personal life, including his three marriages, has remained relatively private compared to his highly public political career. Despite facing legal challenges and controversy, Bannon has maintained his influence in conservative circles, continuing to shape populist movements both in the U.S. and abroad.

As one of the most controversial political figures of the 21st century, Steve Bannon’s wealth and influence show no signs of waning, even as he navigates the legal and political challenges that come with his outspoken views and high-profile career.