Donald Trump’s Ex-Chief Strategist
Storming of the Capitol: Committee now expects testimony from Steve Bannon
Steve Bannon, former chief adviser to US President Donald Trump
© Ennio Leanza / DPA
Well then? Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, could soon answer questions before the committee on the attack on the US Capitol. In November, the right-wing populist was charged with contempt of Congress.
According to the committee, the committee on the attack on the US Capitol is now expecting a statement from the former chief strategist of then US President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon.
Committee member Zoe Lofgren told CNN on Sunday that a letter was received from Bannon’s lawyer during the night saying his client would testify. “The committee obviously hasn’t had a chance to discuss this, but I expect we’ll be hearing from him and we have a lot of questions for him.”
Bannon charged with contempt of Congress
CNN, citing a letter Trump sent to Bannon, reported that ex-President Trump had revoked his office privilege, which prevented Bannon from speaking on government affairs. From the point of view of the committee of inquiry, however, the privilege had not exempted Bannon from the obligation to appear before the panel anyway.
Bannon was charged with contempt of Congress last November for ignoring a subpoena from the committee. He was also accused of failing to provide requested documents. The judge released Bannon conditionally pending a verdict.
Bannon’s testimony date yet to be announced
It is unclear when and under what circumstances Bannon could testify. The committee of inquiry will hold its next public meeting this Tuesday. Former White House Counsel to President Trump, Pat Cipollone, testified behind closed doors on Friday.
On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters violently stormed the seat of parliament in the capital Washington. Congress met there to certify the victory of Trump’s Democratic challenger Joe Biden in the previous presidential election. Five people were killed in the riots, including a police officer. Trump had recently incited his supporters at a rally that his election victory had been stolen. The committee is investigating the attack.