Jury Begins Deliberations In Bannon Contempt Trial

Topline

A panel of 12 jurors started deliberations Friday to determine whether former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is guilty of contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a subpoena from the January 6 committee, with a guilty verdict appearing likely after Bannon’s attorneys chose not to call any witnesses in his defense.

Key Facts

Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gaston said in her closing argument Friday that Bannon “chose allegiance to Donald Trump over compliance with the law,” stating the case against Bannon is cut and dried, according to multiple reports.

Bannon did not comply with a subpoena issued in September by the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, repeatedly saying he could not testify because his conversations with former President Donald Trump are protected by executive privilege.

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols did not allow Bannon’s lawyers to use the executive privilege claim in his defense, ruling the assertion has no legal basis.

Evan Corcoran, Bannon’s attorney, instead argued the October deadlines on the subpoena weren’t official since he claimed there was an “ongoing negotiation” about the date Bannon had to comply with the subpoena—the committee has not indicated any talks of that nature took place.

Corcoran also reportedly suggested at one point the signature of Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the committee’s chairman, may have been forged on the subpoena—another claim there isn’t evidence for.

Crucial Quote

“He has contempt for our system of government and he does not think he needs to play by its rules,” Gaston said.

What To Watch For

Bannon faces up to two years in prison if convicted on the two contempt counts he has been charged with.

Key Background

Bannon’s case marks the first contempt of Congress trial since 1983. If convicted, he would be the first person found guilty at a contempt of Congress trial since G. Gordon Liddy in 1974. Bannon was among the first people the committee subpoenaed, since he was reportedly among a small group of Trump advisors that formulated plans to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The committee revealed at a hearing last week that Bannon said on his radio show on January 5 that “all hell is going to break loose tomorrow” shortly after speaking with Trump.

Further Reading

Steve Bannon’s Contempt Trial Starts Monday—Here’s What To Expect (Forbes)

Steve Bannon Contempt Trial Heads Toward Jury Deliberations (Wall Street Journal)

Steve Bannon’s Contempt Of Congress Trial Will Begin Next Week, Judge Rules (Forbes)