Conviction Upheld for Trump Ally Steve Bannon Over Defiance of Congress
Former Trump Adviser Faces Prison Sentence for Refusing to Cooperate with Capitol Riot Investigation
A federal appeals court has upheld the conviction of former Trump adviser Steve Bannon for contempt of Congress. Bannon had refused to cooperate with a House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, even after being subpoenaed.
Background of the Case
Bannon was indicted in November 2021 on two counts of contempt of Congress: one for his refusal to appear for a deposition and the other for his refusal to produce documents. He pleaded not guilty to both charges but was found guilty by a jury in July 2022.
Appeals Court Ruling
Bannon appealed his conviction, arguing that the House select committee was illegitimate and that his actions were protected by executive privilege. However, the appeals court rejected both arguments, ruling that the committee had authority to investigate the Capitol riot and that Bannon's failure to comply with its subpoena was a willful violation of the law.
Next Steps
Bannon is now facing a four-month prison sentence. He has until July 1, 2023, to report to prison. Bannon has indicated that he plans to appeal his conviction to the Supreme Court, but it is unclear whether the court will agree to hear the case.
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