Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro pleads not guilty to contempt of Congress charges
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Trump administration trade adviser Peter Navarro on Friday pleaded not guilty to the two counts of criminal contempt of congress on which he was indicted earlier this month.
Mr Navarro, who served as the head of the National Trade Council under Donald Trump, faces up to two years behind bars should a jury convict him on charges that he refused to honour subpoenas commanding him to produce documents and appear to give evidence before the House of Representatives select committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
The ex-college professor had filed a lawsuit against the select committee in hopes of preventing the charges against him, which a District of Columbia grand jury approved on 2 June.
During his initial appearance before a magistrate judge, Mr Navarro had indicated that he intended to defend himself pro se by acting as his own attorney. By late Thursday, court documents indicated that he had retained two attorneys, John Riley and John Irving IV.
Jan 6 hearings - live: Trump fires back at Pence revelations as Ginni Thomas agrees to talk to committee
‘Pouring gasoline on the fire’: Trump knew election plot was illegal and egged on riot that threatened Mike Pence’s life, Jan 6 hearing reveals
‘Absolutely despicable’: Girlfriend of dead Capitol officer hits out at Ivanka and Jared for not stopping Trump
After Mr Navarro entered his plea of not guilty, the discussion turned to when he will face trial before US District Judge Amit Mehta.
Judge Mehta informed Mr Navarro’s attorneys and prosecutors from the Department of Justice that his calendar was “a mess” and offered three dates starting in August, September, or November for what is expected to be a week-long trial.
Mr Navarro’s attorneys suggested that his trial be delayed until as late as April 2023 because of his upcoming book tour. Judge Mehta scheduled a 17 November trial date after agreeing with prosecutors that delaying Mr Navarro’s trial for a book tour was “not in the public interest”.
The ex-Trump adviser’s attorneys also said he had filed a motion to dismiss his lawsuit against the select committee without prejudice, meaning it could be re-filed if necessary. The lawyers explained that they had only just been retained and did not have time to prepare documents that would have been due soon. For his part, Judge Mehta told Mr Navarro that the issues he wanted litigated in the lawsuit, including whether the select committee’s subpoena was issued with a valid legislative purpose, could be dealt with as part of the criminal case against him.
Mr Navarro will next appear in court in 15 July for a status conference before Judge Mehta.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments