Peter Navarro, a former adviser to Donald Trump, has been found guilty on two contempt-of-Congress charges for defying a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 select committee. A unanimous conviction came after a two-day trial featuring testimony from three former Jan. 6 committee staffers. Each charge carries a one-year maximum sentence. Navarro plans to appeal the verdict.
Navarro faced these charges for defying the select committee’s efforts to obtain evidence regarding his knowledge and involvement in Trump’s alleged attempts to subvert the 2020 election. U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Navarro could not argue executive privilege and that he failed to provide persuasive evidence that Trump had invoked such privilege. Navarro’s defense is pinning hopes on an appeal that might challenge these limits on arguments for refusing to comply with a subpoena.
During the trial, prosecutors detailed Navarro’s receipt of the committee’s subpoena, email exchanges, and his refusal to appear. Committee staffers explained their need for Navarro’s cooperation, as he had focused on the 2020 election while serving as Trump’s trade adviser and Covid response team member. Navarro had publicly claimed evidence of election fraud and a strategy to overturn the election results.
Navarro’s charges came after Steve Bannon, another Trump ally, faced similar charges for defying the Jan. 6 select committee. Bannon was convicted in July 2022 and is appealing the matter.
Navarro’s attorney argued that the government exaggerated the case and failed to prove his refusal to cooperate was “deliberate and intentional.” The jury ultimately found Navarro guilty on both counts.
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