Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon charged with contempt of Congress
Washington: Donald Trump’s former campaign chief Steve Bannon has been indicted by a grand jury for defying a subpoena to appear before the US Congress to testify about the January 6 storming of the Capitol.
A federal magistrate was expected to issue an arrest warrant for Bannon following the criminal indictment.
Steve Bannon, Donald Trump’s former chief strategist has been indicted on two counts of contempt of Congress.Credit:AP
Bannon was indicted on two counts of contempt of Congress for refusing to provide documents to congressional investigators and refusing to sit for a deposition, the US Department of Justice announced.
As well as fines, he faces up to a year in jail for each count.
It is the first time in decades that the US government had pursued criminal charges against anyone for contempt of Congress.
The Bannon case is seen as important in establishing the principle that people cannot brazenly refuse to testify when called to appear before a relevant congressional committee.
“Since my first day in office, I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law,†US Attorney-General Merrick Garland said in a statement.
“Today’s charges reflect the department’s steadfast commitment to these principles.â€
AdvertisementBannon’s lawyers told the House of Representatives January 6 select committee in October that he would not comply with its subpoena because Trump had instructed him not to produce any documents or testimony “concerning privileged materialâ€.
A congressional committee is investigating the causes behind the January 6 storming of the Capitol. Credit:AP
After serving as Trump’s campaign chief, Bannon was a senior White House advisor during the former president’s first seven months in office.
In January Trump granted clemency to Bannon as part of a wave of 143 pardons and commutations issued during his final day in the White House. The 67-year-old was charged last year with defrauding Trump supporters over an effort to raise private funds to build the president’s wall on the US-Mexico border.
More to come
Most Viewed in World
0 Response to "Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon charged with contempt of Congress"
Post a Comment