U.S. Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Steve Bannon for Defying Capitol Riot Subpoena

On May 20, 2022, a U.S. federal appeals court reaffirmed the conviction of Steve Bannon, a former top adviser to Donald Trump, for defying a subpoena from the congressional panel investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Contempt of Congress Conviction

Bannon was found guilty of two counts of contempt of Congress after he refused to submit documents or testify to the House of Representatives committee investigating the Capitol riot. The conviction was upheld despite Bannon's argument that he was prevented from presenting crucial defense arguments during the trial, including his claim that his lawyer advised him against compliance with the subpoena.

Sentencing and Appeal

In the original 2022 trial, Bannon was sentenced to four months in prison. However, he has been permitted to remain free pending his appeal.

With this latest development, the conviction stands, marking a significant legal outcome for Bannon, a prominent figure on the American right.