- A trade adviser to Trump, was found guilty of contempt of Congress.
- Navarro is the second former aide who is being prosecuted for refusing to assist the committee.
- Navarro regarded the jury members closely as he stood straight with his hands clasped.
Peter Navarro, a trade adviser to former US President Donald Trump, was invited to testify before a House select committee looking into the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, but he refused and was held in contempt of Congress.
Navarro is the second former aide who is being prosecuted for refusing to assist the committee. Steve Bannon was found guilty of two counts of contempt last year, but the matter is currently on appeal.
Peter Navarro
Prosecutors told the jury during closing arguments that Navarro “made a choice” not to cooperate with a subpoena from February 2022. According to Elizabeth Aloi, a lawyer with the Justice Department, people should be held responsible if they break the law because that is the only way the government can operate.
Stanley Woodward, the attorney for Navarro, claimed that the subpoena was confusing and omitted instructions on where the defendant must appear for his deposition.
Dr. Navarro’s attorney questioned the jury as to why the government had not offered any proof as to the doctor‘s whereabouts or activities on the day the deposition was planned. John Crabb, the prosecutor, referred to Navarro as “that man” and said that he “thinks he is above the law.”
Navarro responded angrily throughout the hearing, and Woodward whispered to his client. The jurors listened intently as the attorneys made their closing arguments. Navarro regarded the jury members closely as he stood straight with his hands clasped.
