Steve Bannon 'decided he was above the law,' says prosecution
Ex-adviser to former President Donald Trump Steve Bannon decided he was "above the law" in defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, a federal prosecutor told jurors on Tuesday, per Reuters.
The subpoena "wasn't optional," proclaimed prosecutor Amanda Vaughn during opening statements at Bannon's contempt of Congress trial. "It wasn't a request. And it wasn't an invitation. It was mandatory."
"The defendant decided he was above the law, and he didn't have to follow the government's orders like his fellow citizens," Vaughn continued, "and that's why we're here today."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Bannon was charged with two counts of contempt of Congress after failing to comply with a subpoena issued by the select committee last year. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Speaking for the defense, Bannon lawyer Evan Corcoran alleged his client did not ignore the committee's subpoena and that he did in fact engage with Congress.
"No one ignored the subpoena," Corcoran told jurors, per The Washington Post, arguing that the dates of the requests sent to Bannon were "not fixed" — "They were flexible," he said. "It's called negotiation, it's called accommodation … that's not an excuse."
The lawyer also implored jurors to consider whether evidence in the case is "affected by politics."
Both contempt charges against the former Trump adviser carry a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Witness testimony in the trial began shortly after opening statements concluded.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
The mental health crisis affecting vets
Under The Radar Death of Hampshire vet highlights mental health issues plaguing the industry
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Onion is having a very ironic laugh with Infowars
The Explainer The satirical newspaper is purchasing the controversial website out of bankruptcy
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Rahmbo, back from Japan, will be looking for a job? Really?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published