Steve Bannon’s Trial Hits First Snag

As I explained in my weekend column, Steve Bannon has no real defense against the misdemeanor contempt-of-Congress charges on which his criminal trial began yesterday. Now, with the jury just about in place and the opening arguments seemingly set to begin, renewed controversy has erupted over what the defense may, and may not, argue under the rulings of Judge Carl Nichols, of the federal district court in Washington, D.C.

As a result, the trial has been delayed. This delay is highly unlikely to result in the 30-day continuance Bannon’s lawyers pressed for on Tuesday morning. But it is apt to last for at least a few hours, and may push opening statements to Wednesday morning, if not later.

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.

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As I explained in my weekend column, Steve Bannon has no real defense against the misdemeanor contempt-of-Congress charges on which his criminal trial began yesterday. Now, with the jury just about in place and the opening arguments seemingly set to begin, renewed controversy has erupted over what the defense may, and may not, argue under the rulings of Judge Carl Nichols, of the federal district court in Washington, D.C.

As a result, the trial has been delayed. This delay is highly unlikely to result in the 30-day continuance Bannon’s lawyers pressed for on Tuesday morning. But it is apt to last for at least a few hours, and may push opening statements to Wednesday morning, if not later.

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.