There has long been speculation as to how far the January 6th select committee would be willing to go when it comes to prosecuting Donald Trump or those within his inner circle. This is a delicate matter, politically, and any untoward or overly aggressive moves could spell trouble for the fate of the 2022 midterms.
In fact, their only real punishment thus far has come at the expense of Steve Bannon, former Trump adviser and media personality, who refused to fall into their executive privilege trap and was slapped with a contempt of court charge.
After only a brief trial Bannon has now been convicted.
Former Trump White House aide Steve Bannon was found guilty Friday of two counts of contempt of Congress after a trial in federal court in Washington, D.C.
Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before convicting Bannon of willfully failing to comply with subpoenas demanding his testimony and records, which were issued last September by the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.
Bannon could face serious jail time.
He faces a minimum punishment of 30 days in jail, and a maximum of one year when he is sentenced on Oct. 21. He also faces a fine in the range of $100 to a maximum of $100,000.
“The subpoena to Stephen Bannon was not an invitation that could be rejected or ignored,” said Matthew Graves, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.
“Mr. Bannon had an obligation to appear before the House Select Committee to give testimony and provide documents. His refusal to do so was deliberate and now a jury has found that he must pay the consequences.”
Bannon had made a last-minute offer to testify to the committee, but was rebuked out of hand.
