As a discreet but highly influential adviser to the former Republican president, he had refused to cooperate with the commission in the attack on the Capitol.
Steve Bannon, a former close adviser to Donald Trump, was convicted by a jury in federal court on Friday of obstructing Congress’ investigative powers after he refused to cooperate with the commission in the attack on the Capitol. As a discreet but highly influential advisor to the former Republican president, he had been in touch with him well into the days before the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. The parliamentary commission of inquiry had asked him to testify and produce documents, which he had refused.
“Above the Law”
A federal jury in Washington deliberated for less than three hours on Friday to find the 68-year-old guilty on two counts. His sentence will be decided later. He faces between one month and one year in prison for each charge. The parliamentary commission of inquiry into the attack on the Capitol wanted to know the nature of the exchanges between Steve Bannon and Donald Trump in the days leading up to January 6th.
Also read Steve Bannon, Trump’s ex-adviser, who has been accused of feeling “above the law” during his trial
MPs had summoned Steve Bannon to testify and produce documents. He declined, citing presidents’ right to keep certain conversations secret, which led to his being charged with “obstructing the investigative powers of Congress.” At Tuesday’s court hearing, prosecutor Amanda Vaughn accused Steve Bannon of feeling “above the law.” Steve Bannon’s lawyer had denounced the political persecution.
SEE ALSO – Attack on the Capitol: Deleted scenes from Trump’s address to the nation