Former Trump advisor Peter Navarro is urgently petitioning the Supreme Court to postpone his upcoming four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress.
Scheduled to commence on March 19, Navarro aims to remain free while he appeals his conviction related to his defiance of a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack.
Navarro’s legal team contends that he poses no flight risk and raises substantial legal questions deserving of his freedom during the appeal process. They argue that Navarro’s appeal could result in the reversal of his conviction or prompt a new trial.
Despite previous rejections of similar appeals, Navarro persists in his efforts. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals recently unanimously turned down Navarro’s bid, asserting that he had not adequately demonstrated why he should remain free pending appeal.
Navarro’s case has drawn comparisons to that of Steve Bannon, another Trump ally facing a four-month prison term for contempt of Congress. Unlike Bannon, who was permitted to remain free while his conviction was under appeal, Navarro faces imminent imprisonment.
At the heart of Navarro’s challenge is his assertion that he was denied the opportunity to raise an executive privilege defense during his trial. He believes that this decision if overturned on appeal, could have significant implications for his case.
With the Supreme Court requesting a response from prosecutors by Monday, the outcome of Navarro’s plea remains uncertain. The legal wrangling underscores the ongoing tension surrounding the investigation into the events of January 6, 2021, and the individuals involved.
Navarro’s last-minute bid for reprieve highlights the complexity and intensity of legal battles arising from the Capitol attack investigation, as key figures seek to navigate the judicial system to avoid prison time.
