The US Department of Justice has filed a motion to vacate the conviction of Steve Bannon, the former advisor to former President Donald Trump, for contempt of Congress. Bannon was found guilty in July 2022 of refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House Select Committee Investigating the January 6 Attack on the US Capitol.
Background on Bannon's Contempt of Congress Charge
Bannon's contempt of Congress charge stemmed from his refusal to comply with a subpoena from the January 6 committee, which had requested his testimony and documents related to the events surrounding the insurrection. Bannon claimed that he was shielded from testifying by executive privilege, a claim that was later disputed by the committee and the Department of Justice.
The January 6 committee had issued Bannon a subpoena in September 2021, which he refused to comply with, citing the advice of his lawyers. The committee subsequently referred Bannon to the Department of Justice for prosecution, which charged him with two counts of contempt of Congress.
Department of Justice's Motion to Vacate Conviction
The Department of Justice's motion to vacate Bannon's conviction is based on a review of the January 6 committee's subpoena process, which the department has determined was "invalid" and "unlawful." The department argues that the committee's subpoena power was not authorized by Congress and that Bannon's refusal to comply with the subpoena was therefore not contempt of Congress.
The motion also cites a recent court ruling that found the January 6 committee to be "unlawful" and "without authority" to issue subpoenas. The court ruling was issued in a separate case involving former White House aide Peter Navarro, who was also subpoenaed by the committee.
Implications of the Department of Justice's Motion
The implications of the Department of Justice's motion to vacate Bannon's conviction are significant, as they could potentially undermine the January 6 committee's ability to conduct further investigations and issue subpoenas. The decision could also have broader implications for the use of congressional subpoenas in future investigations.
The Department of Justice's motion is likely to be met with resistance from lawmakers who have been critical of Bannon's refusal to comply with the subpoena. The case is likely to be closely watched by lawmakers and the public, as it could have significant implications for the investigation into the January 6 insurrection.
The Department of Justice's motion to vacate Bannon's conviction is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the January 6 insurrection. The case is likely to be closely watched by lawmakers and the public, as it could have significant implications for the use of congressional subpoenas in future investigations.