Second Trump adviser convicted of contempt of U.S. Congress

Navarro is the second Trump adviser to be held in contempt of Congress for defying a Jan. 6 committee subpoena

WASHINGTON – Peter Navarro, a former trade adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump, was found guilty Thursday of contempt of Congress.

He had defied a subpoena from the House special committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The jury reached a unanimous verdict after a two-day trial.

Navarro is the second Trump adviser to be held in contempt of Congress for defying a Jan. 6 committee subpoena.

He faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

He has announced plans to appeal the verdict.

Navarro had been subpoenaed by the committee in February 2022 to testify and produce documents related to the investigation.

He refused on the grounds that the committee was illegitimate and that he was protected by executive privilege.

The committee argued that Navarro’s refusal to cooperate was a clear attempt to obstruct its investigation.

In a statement, the committee said, “Today’s jury verdict is a victory for the rule of law and sends a clear message that those who seek to evade accountability for their actions will be held accountable.”

Earlier, Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist, was also found guilty of contempt of Congress in July 2022.

He is scheduled to be sentenced in October.

The convictions of Navarro and Bannon are an important development in the committee’s investigation.

They are the first indictments of individuals involved in the Jan. 6 attack.

The committee is still investigating the attack, and it is possible that additional criminal charges will be filed.