Trump Pardons Bannon

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Trump's term as president is over. In his final hours in charge, he pardoned 73 people and commuted the sentences of 70 more — a presidential tradition for the last days in office.

Among those pardoned is Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist under Trump and head of his campaign in 2016. Bannon was arrested in August on charges of fraud — related to a fundraising campaign for building the wall on the southern border. Many believe the charges against Bannon were politically motivated.

Ben Harnwell, chairman of an institute in Italy Bannon helped establish, said in a statement today, "Steve Bannon never did anything wrong." He called the indictment "a politically-driven hit job."

In a recorded video speech Tuesday, Trump gave thanks to his staff and touted his administration's four years of accomplishments. He re-emphasized these points Wednesday morning in a farewell speech at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

The Trump family didn't attend Joe Biden's inauguration. After the speech at Joint Base Andrews, they flew in Air Force One down to Palm Beach, Florida. Far from calling it the end of an era, Trump vowed to stay in the world of politics in the years to come, saying, "I just want to say goodbye. But hopefully, it's not a long-term goodbye — we'll see each other again." He continued: "So just a goodbye. We love you. We will be back in some form."

Though no longer in the Oval Office, Trump has numerous options — such as throwing his weight behind candidates who trumpet America First values. Sources claim he's even speculated about creating a new political party. But only time will tell what the future has in store for Trump and the movement he inspired.