Steve Bannon: Former Trump aide indicted by federal grand jury | US News | Top stories

Former Trump aide Steve Bannon has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of the United States Congress.

Bannon, who was chief White House strategist under Donald Trump, is accused of failing to comply with a subpoena issued by a special House committee investigating the Riot at the United States Capitol January 6th.

The 67-year-old cited a claim, apparently from Donald Trump, that his communications are protected by a legal doctrine of executive privilege.

He was nevertheless charged with one count of contempt of Congress involving his refusal to appear for a deposition and one involving his refusal to produce documents, the Justice Department said.

Each count carries a sentence of up to one year behind bars.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows defied a similar subpoena.

The chairman of the committee, Representative Bennie Thompson, said he would recommend contempt charges against Mr Meadows next week.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said charges against Bannon reflect “firm commitment” to “equal justice
under the law “.

Last month, Representative Thompson said the committee “will not tolerate contempt for our subpoenas.”

He added: “We must therefore move forward with the removal proceedings against Mr. Bannon for criminal contempt.”