Former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon, appears onscreen during Wednesday’s hearing of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 attack on the US Capitol at the House Office Building Fireworks on June 21, 2022 in Washington, DC.
Mandel Ngan | AFP | beautiful pictures
Steve Bannon told the House committee investigating the January 6 uprising that he is willing to testify, preferably at a public hearing, according to CNN.
Bannon, a one-time adviser to former President Donald Trump, is on trial next week on criminal contempt charges for refusing to cooperate with the congressional investigation into the Capitol riots.
Bannon’s attorney argued at the time that he was following an assertion of executive privilege claimed by Trump, which allegedly prevented Bannon from providing documents requested by the selection committee.
But Trump on Saturday sent a letter to Bannon relinquishing executive privilege, even though the House Select Committee and federal prosecutors said executive privilege should never be considered an argument for relinquishment. non-compliance with congressional subpoenas.
“When you first received the Subpoena to testify and provide documents, I asked for Executive Privileges. However, I witnessed you and others being treated unfairly. like, having to spend huge sums of money in legal fees and all the hurt you have suffered for your love of Country and out of respect for the Office of the President,” Trump wrote. in the letter.
“Therefore, if you reach agreement on a time and place for your testimony, I will waive Executive Privileges for you, allowing you to come in and testify honestly and fairly.” Trump added.
Representatives for Bannon reportedly sent the letter along with their own tracking information to the committee on January 6.
“While Mr. Bannon has always stood firm in his beliefs, the circumstances have now changed.” Bannon’s attorney Bob Costello said in a letter obtained by CNN. “Mr. Bannon is willing and does indeed want to testify at your public hearing.”
It’s unclear how his impending trial will be affected if Bannon eventually testifies before the committee. Bannon, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of contempt of Congress, faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 per count if convicted.
Committee spokesman and Bannon attorney Bob Costello did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
