Peter Navarro, a former White House adviser to President Donald Trump, was convicted of contempt of Congress on Tuesday for defying a subpoena issued by a House panel investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
Navarro, who served as Trump’s director of trade and manufacturing policy, was found guilty of contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee in February. The committee was investigating the events leading up to the Capitol riot, which left five people dead and dozens injured.
Navarro had argued that the subpoena was invalid because it was issued without the approval of the full House of Representatives. However, the judge ruled that the subpoena was valid and that Navarro had no legal basis for refusing to comply.
Navarro is the first former Trump administration official to be convicted of contempt of Congress. He faces up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
The conviction is a major blow to Trump and his allies, who have sought to downplay the events of January 6 and have sought to discredit the investigation into the riot. It also serves as a warning to other former Trump administration officials who may be considering defying congressional subpoenas.
Navarro’s conviction is the latest in a series of legal troubles for Trump and his allies. Trump himself is facing multiple lawsuits, including one from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, which is investigating his business dealings. Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, is also facing criminal charges.
The conviction of Navarro is a reminder that no one is above the law, and that those who defy congressional subpoenas will be held accountable. It is also a reminder that the events of January 6 must be thoroughly investigated and that those responsible must be held accountable.