Former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro could face up to six months in prison and a $200,000 fine following his criminal conviction for contempt of Congress, the Department of Justice argued in a court filing on Thursday. Navarro's refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee, the DOJ argued, "deserves severe punishment."
Navarro, who served as a trade adviser to former President Donald Trump, was found guilty of contempt earlier this month after he defied a subpoena to testify before the committee investigating the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. This makes him the second high-ranking former Trump official to be convicted in a case related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election, after Steve Bannon.
In their sentencing memo, DOJ prosecutors argued that Navarro's actions demonstrated a clear disregard for the rule of law. "The Defendant chose allegiance to former President Donald Trump over the rule of law," the department wrote. The memo goes on to say that Navarro's actions cannot be excused or explained by any personal beliefs or convictions he may hold.
Meanwhile, Navarro's legal team has filed their own memo, arguing that his actions were not out of disrespect for the law but rather out of a sense of duty. "Dr. Navarro acted because he reasonably believed he was duty-bound to assert executive privilege on former President Trump's behalf," his lawyers stated. They also argued that a harsh punishment for Navarro would be unfair as he was merely following instructions from his former boss.
The House Jan. 6 committee has been investigating the events leading up to the insurrection and has issued numerous subpoenas to former Trump officials. However, many of these individuals have refused to comply, citing executive privilege and instructions from Trump. This has led to multiple legal battles, with the committee seeking to hold these individuals accountable for their refusal to cooperate.
Navarro's conviction came after he repeatedly ignored communications from the committee, failed to appear for a scheduled deposition, and refused to comply with a subpoena. In October, a federal judge ruled that Navarro must comply with the subpoena, but he still refused to cooperate.
The DOJ argued that Navarro's refusal to comply with a valid subpoena hinders the House Jan. 6 committee's investigation and undermines the authority of Congress. This, they say, cannot be tolerated. Prosecutors have requested that Navarro be sentenced to six months in prison and face a $200,000 fine, which they believe is a just punishment for his actions.
If Navarro's sentence is upheld, he will join former Trump adviser Steve Bannon in being convicted for contempt of Congress in relation to the January 6th insurrection. Bannon's four-month prison sentence remains suspended, pending the outcome of his appeal.
The House Jan. 6 committee has vowed to continue its investigation, despite the challenges posed by former Trump officials refusing to testify. They have stated that they will do whatever it takes to get to the truth about the events leading up to the insurrection and hold those responsible accountable.
Navarro's sentencing is scheduled for January 25th, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. However, the DOJ argues that tough punishment is necessary to send a message that defying congressional subpoenas will not be tolerated. As the investigation into the January 6th attack continues, it is clear that the legal battles and consequences for those involved are far from over.