Steve Bannon, ex-adviser to Trump, accused of believing himself “above the law” during his trial

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Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Donald Trump who played a crucial role in the Republican election in 2016, was accused Tuesday of believing himself “above the law” during his on trial for refusing to cooperate with the House inquiry into the assault on the Capitol. 

Mr. Bannon 'ignored orders to comply even after Congress rejected his pretenses, and dismissed numerous warnings that he would face prosecution if he did not comply with the subpoena as he was required to do so,” said prosecutor Amanda Vaughn.

“In doing so, the accused prevented the authorities from obtaining the important information they needed to help them understand what happened on January 6 and how to ensure that it does not happen again,” he said. she added.

“The accused decided he was above the law,” she said.

The lawyer for Mr. Bannon, Evan Corcoran, assured that “no one ignored the subpoena”. According to him, negotiations were even held with the commission regarding his date of deposition.

A discreet but very influential adviser, Mr. Bannon had given a resolutely populist turn to Mr. Trump's campaign for the 2016 presidential election, before being pushed out.

The two men, who remained relatives, had exchanged in the days leading up to the January 6, 2021 attack on Congressional headquarters, according to the House of Representatives committee tasked with shedding light on the former president's role in the coup.

To find out the nature of their discussions, the commission subpoenaed Steve Bannon to testify and produce documents. He had refused, citing the right of presidents to keep certain conversations secret.

His refusal led to him being charged with “obstructing” the work of Congress.

Donald Trump is believed to have done nothing for nearly three hours on January 6, 2021, as his supporters stormed the Capitol, sowed violence and chaos, and forced elected officials to halt certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory.