Peter Navarro Jailed for Contempt Over Capitol Riot Probe
Peter Navarro, former top White House trade advisor, turned himself in to a Florida prison on Tuesday. The 74-year-old Trump ally is starting a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress. Navarro is now the highest-ranking ex-official locked up over the fallout from the contested 2020 US election.
Refusal to Testify on January 6 Riot Spells Jail Time
Navarro’s conviction comes after he ignored a subpoena from the Congressional panel investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters. He faces two counts of contempt and has been punished for stonewalling the inquiry into that dark day in American history.
Denied Bail, Navarro Enters Prison in Miami
Despite begging to stay free while appealing his conviction, Chief Justice John Roberts shot down Navarro’s request. The former adviser surrendered himself at a low-security federal prison in Miami.
“I am the first senior White House advisor in the history of our republic to be charged with this alleged crime,” Navarro said. “Today, as I step into that prison, the justice system—flawed as it may be—has dealt a crippling blow to the constitutional separation of powers and executive privilege.”
Blames Politics for His Arrest, Pledges to Serve With Pride
Navarro slammed the “partisan weaponisation” of justice, accusing Democrats of hunting him down. “Every person who has led me down this road to prison is a friggin’ Democrat and a Trump hater,” he claimed. “Nevertheless, I will walk in there with pride and serve my time.”
Offering a parting rally cry, Navarro added:
“I take solace in this: Donald John Trump remains the Republican presidential nominee. The fight continues.”
