Photo: Alamy
Former advisor to President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, was convicted of contempt charges on Friday for defying a subpoena from the Jan. 6 Committee for its ongoing investigation of the “insurrection” of the U.S. Capitol, according to the Associated Press.
Bannon was convicted on two counts of contempt, including refusing to show up for a deposition before the committee and failing to provide requested documents to the House panel in response to the congressional subpoena.
The Associated Press further reported that Bannon could face up to two years in federal prison and will be sentenced on Oct. 21.
Bannon’s trial in a federal court began on Monday and concluded on Friday with the shocking news of his conviction. Previously, Bannon’s lawyers announced Thursday that he would not bring new evidence or call forth witnesses in the case.
Bannon’s trial began shortly following President Trump’s move to waive executive privilege for Bannon:
“When you first received the Subpoena to testify and provide documents, I invoked executive privilege. However, I watched how unfairly you and others have been treated, having to spend vast amounts of money on legal fees, and all of the trauma you must be going through for the love of your Country, and out of respect for the Office of the President. Therefore, if you reach an agreement on a time and place for your testimony, I will waive Executive Privilege for you, which allows for you to go in an testify truthfully and fairly, as per the request of the Unselect Committee of political Thugs and Hacks…”
