A federal appeals court upheld Steve Bannon’s conviction for defying a subpoena from the congressional panel investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Bannon, a former top adviser to President Trump, faces a four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress, pending further appeals. Convicted in 2022 on two misdemeanor counts for refusing to cooperate with the House committee’s investigation, Bannon remained free during the appeal process.
Bannon’s defense contended that his lawyer advised him against complying with the subpoena, arguing his intent was not criminal.
The court ruled that accepting such arguments would weaken Congress’s investigative power by hindering the prosecution of witnesses who defy congressional inquiries.
The decision brings Bannon closer to potential imprisonment, though he retains the option to appeal to the full D.C. Circuit Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. A lawyer and spokesperson for Bannon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The House panel, led by Democrats, investigated Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, culminating in the January 6th Capitol breach by a pro-Trump mob.
Bannon was sought for information regarding his podcast prediction of unrest the day before the riot. Despite the committee’s requests, Bannon refused to cooperate, dismissing the investigation as politically motivated.
Former Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro is currently serving a four-month prison sentence for defying a subpoena from the same committee, indicating a strong stance against non-compliance with congressional inquiries.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of defying congressional subpoenas and the significance of congressional investigative authority in matters of national importance.
