Bannon's Jan 6. Contempt Trial Begins

    Image copyright: EPA [via The Daily Mail]

    The Facts

    • Former chief strategist to former Pres. Trump, Steve Bannon, arrived for the beginning of jury selection in his contempt of Congress trial. Bannon faces two charges of criminal contempt for refusing to cooperate with the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, and he could face a minimum of 30 days in prison on each count.

    • Along with former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, Bannon is one of two former Trump associates facing contempt charges. Navarro's case is still in its early stages.


    The Spin

    Pro-Trump narrative

    Any doubts that this investigation is about anything other than partisan politics have been thrown out the window. Bannon is going to trial despite his willingness to testify before the unlawful Jan. 6 committee. The DOJ has failed to charge Democrats in similar situations in recent years, so it's ridiculous that Bannon and Navarro are now facing contempt trials.

    Democratic narrative

    Bannon, who vowed to make his contempt case "hell" when he was first indicted, is just sowing confusion and trying to play the victim. His condition to testify in public is unpalatable, and he hasn't turned over subpoenaed documents. He has something to hide, which might come out in this trial.


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