Nov 15, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Bannon taken into custody on contempt of Congress charges

Ivana Saric

Steve Bannon arrives to turn himself in at the FBI Washington Field Office on November 15 — Steve Bannon arrives to turn himself in at the FBI Washington Field Office on Nov. 15. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Former Trump adviser Steven Bannon surrendered to the FBI on charges of contempt of Congress.

Driving the news: A grand jury last week indicted Bannon on two counts of contempt of Congress for his failure to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Jan. 6 select committee. He is expected to appear before a judge later on Monday.

What he's saying: "I don't want anybody to take their eye off the ball. ... We're taking down the Biden regime every day," Bannon said Monday, Axios' Alayna Treene reports.

"I want you guys to stay focused, stay on message. Remember signal, not noise. This is all noise, not signal. Thank you very much."

Our thought bubble via Axios' Jonathan Swan: Bannon’s friends say probably nobody has enjoyed being indicted more than Bannon. He sees it as an opportunity to elevate his status as a MAGA martyr and promote his already high-rating podcast. This is all political theater to Bannon.

The big picture: The select committee has subpoenaed dozens of former Trump aides as part of its investigation into the Capitol riot.

Bannon's indictment marked the first time the Justice Department has charged someone for contempt of Congress since the 1980s. He faces fines and possible jail time if convicted.
House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff on Sunday said that Bannon's indictment could "influence other witnesses" to cooperate with the committee.
Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows could also face contempt of Congress charges, after failing to appear before the committee on Friday.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.

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Bannon taken into custody on contempt of Congress charges

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