Former trade adviser Peter Navarro has been found guilty of two counts of contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a subpoena from the House of Representatives committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Navarro, who was known for promoting baseless claims of mass voter fraud in the 2020 election, refused to testify or hand over documents to the House panel, leading to the guilty verdict. The charges carry a maximum sentence of one year in prison, and a sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 12, 2024. Navarro plans to appeal the conviction.

During the one-day trial, Navarro's defense team did not present any evidence or call any witnesses. Prior to the trial, Navarro argued that he did not have to comply with the committee's order because then-President Donald Trump had invoked executive privilege. However, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled against Navarro, stating that there was no evidence that Trump formally invoked executive privilege. This ruling led Navarro to claim that his fate was sealed.

Prosecutors argued that Navarro acted as if he were "above the law" when he defied the congressional subpoena. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Aloi highlighted the importance of holding individuals accountable when they refuse to abide by the rules of the government. Navarro's conviction marks the second time a former aide to Trump has been convicted for defying orders from the January 6 committee, with Steve Bannon being convicted last year on similar charges.

Navarro's conviction comes as Trump himself faces federal and state indictments over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat to President Joe Biden. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. The guilty verdict against Navarro represents a victory for the Justice Department and the now-disbanded select committee, which sought to secure testimony from top Trump advisers. The committee's findings align with a federal criminal indictment against Trump, accusing him of attempting to subvert the election results.

Navarro was a prominent figure in Trump's administration, advising him on trade issues and serving on the COVID-19 task force. His conviction and Bannon's conviction highlight the ongoing legal battles facing individuals involved in the events leading up to the January 6 attack. Sentencing for Navarro is set for January 12, 2024, and he could face up to one year in prison and a fine. This case is part of the broader investigation into the Capitol attack and the efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.