Bannon steps down from Breitbart News

Former White House strategist loses allies and patrons after reported comments cited in tell-all Trump book

This March 15, 2017 photo shows then Assistant and White House chief strategist to US President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon at American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Michigan. (AFP PHOTO / Nicholas Kamm)
This March 15, 2017 photo shows then Assistant and White House chief strategist to US President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon at American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Michigan. (AFP PHOTO / Nicholas Kamm)

NEW YORK, United States — US President Donald Trump’s former White House strategist Steve Bannon has stepped down from Breitbart News, the conservative news outlet announced Tuesday, amid controversy over his incendiary comments about the president quoted in a new book.

The reported remarks used in “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House” — an explosive behind-the-scenes account that questions the president’s fitness for office — have led to a very public split with Trump.

A copy of the book “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House” by Michael Wolff sits on display at a bookstore in Washington, DC on January 5, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS)

Bannon has been abandoned by financial patrons, condemned by erstwhile political allies and ridiculed by Trump himself over his comments, which he has not denied making but has since tried to walk back.

“I’m proud of what the Breitbart team has accomplished in so short a period of time in building out a world-class news platform,” Bannon said in a statement carried on Breitbart’s website.

“Steve is a valued part of our legacy, and we will always be grateful for his contributions, and what he has helped us to accomplish,” Breitbart CEO Larry Solov said.

Bannon and Breitbart will work together on a smooth and orderly transition, the news site added.

Bannon had served as Breitbart’s executive chairman since 2012. During his time at the White House, he took a leave of absence from his duties with the news outlet.

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