Former Trump aide Stephen Bannon has been indicted on two contempt of Congress charges after refusing to provide information to the House Jan. 6 committee.
Bannon declined to comply with a subpoena that requested testimony from him. The House voted to hold him in contempt shortly thereafter.
Trump has directed his former aides to refrain from providing testimony or documents by invoking Trump’s executive privilege. However, Bannon’s indictment now raises questions about how successful that tactic will be going forward.
Attorney General Merrick Garland commented on the matter: “Since my first day in office, I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law, and pursues equal justice under the law. Today’s charges reflect the department’s steadfast commitment to these principles.”
Each contempt of Congress charge carries a minimum 30-day jail sentence (the maximum is one year) as well as a fine of $100 to $1,000.
Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) and Representative Liz Cheney (R- Wyoming), commented on Bannon’s indictment: “Steve Bannon’s indictment should send a clear message to anyone who thinks they can ignore the select committee or try to stonewall our investigation: No one is above the law. We will not hesitate to use the tools at our disposal to get the information we need.”
