Contempt charge trial for Steve Bannon, an ally of former United States President Donald Trump, has been set for July 18, 2022 by District Judge Carl Nichols on Tuesday.

Bannon, a political advisor to the former President, was held in contempt by the United States Congress earlier this year for failing to comply with subpoenas issued by the House Select Committee.

The trial date would further mix the outcome with the political environment of the country in July 2022, when the midterm campaigns for congressional polls are scheduled to be in full swing.

According to reports from CNN, Bannon requested to delay the trial beyond July and push it into October. However, the appeal was denied by District Judge Carl Nichols.

Judge Nichols said, “It seems to me you don’t need 10 months to do this”, CNN reported. However, he also denied a request from the United States Department of Justice, which aimed to schedule the trial for mid-April next year. Two weeks have been blocked off to hold the high-profile trial.

Bannon previously pleaded not guilty to the contempt charges from the United States House of Representatives for refusing to comply with the subpoenas. In case the Republican party asserts dominance in the lower legislative chamber of the country after the mid-term polls, it is likely that the House Select Committee would be restricted as it would expire at the end of 2022, CNN reported.

Steve Bannon’s indictment by United States authorities earlier this year triggered a denouncement from former President Donald Trump, a long-time ally of the political strategist.

He said in a statement “This country has perhaps never done to anyone what they have done to Steve Bannon and they are looking to do it to others, also.”