The prosecution rested its case on the second day of former White Home strategist Steve Bannon’s contempt of Congress trial on Wednesday after the decide allowed a July 9 letter from former President Donald Trump into proof.
The Trump missive waived government privilege and gave Bannon permission to speak to lawmakers investigating the Jan. 6 riot on the Capitol.
In permitting the letter into proof, US District Choose Carl Nichols instructed the Washington DC jury they need to not think about Bannon’s declare of confidential communications with the Republican as an excuse for non-compliance.
Bannon, 68, has claimed he dodged a subpoena from the panel for months as a result of his former boss requested him to not cooperate. He just lately reversed course and instructed lawmakers he would testify after receiving the letter.
The prosecution known as solely two witnesses. Panel workers director and normal counsel Kristin Amerling instructed the courtroom how the right-wing strategist ignored his September subpoena by invoking government privilege. An FBI particular agent additionally testified about Bannon’s defiance.
The protection stated it deliberate to ask Nichols to dismiss costs towards Bannon Thursday.
Bannon was an architect of Trump’s 2016 presidential victory earlier than being fired as chief White Home strategist lower than a yr later.
Investigators consider he attended a planning assembly the day earlier than Trump supporters breached and ransacked the Capitol in an try to forestall Congress from certifying President Biden’s electoral victory.
Prosecutors contend Bannon has related info on “vital actions that led to and knowledgeable” the riot.
If convicted on two counts of contempt of Congress, Bannon would resist two years in jail. He has pleaded not responsible and argued that his costs are politically motivated.
With Put up wires
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