Peter Navarro Asks Supreme Court to Review Contempt-of-Congress Conviction

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has asked the Supreme Court to review his conviction for contempt of Congress, a case that could strengthen defenses for Trump administration officials facing subpoenas if Democrats regain control of the House.

Peter Navarro Asks Supreme Court to Review Contempt-of-Congress Conviction

TL;DR

  • Peter Navarro is asking the Supreme Court to review his conviction for contempt of Congress.
  • He argues he should have been allowed to present evidence that he believed executive privilege prevented him from cooperating with the Jan. 6 committee.
  • The case could strengthen defenses for Trump administration officials facing subpoenas.
  • Navarro's petition challenges the legal standard for "willfully" in the federal contempt statute.
  • If successful, it could raise the government's burden of proof in criminal contempt cases.
  • Navarro was convicted for failing to provide documents or appear for a deposition before the Jan. 6 committee.
  • The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals previously upheld his convictions.