Ex-Trump aide Peter Navarro defies House subpoena in COVID probe

Former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has refused to comply with a congressional subpoena for documents, citing a "direct order" from former President Donald Trump, according to a letter released Saturday.

Why it matters: This is the first time a witness has refused to comply with a subpoena issued by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, per the Washington Post, and it could likely result in Navarro being held in contempt of Congress.

• The panel, which is investigating the Trump administration’s pandemic response, has come under fire by the former president's allies, who have called the probe politically motivated.
• Navarro's letter said Trump told him to "protect executive privilege and not let these unhinged Democrats discredit our great accomplishments."

What he's saying: "At this time, I am unable to respond to the Subpoena, based on former President Trump's invocation of executive privilege," Navarro wrote to the House panel.

• This "matter is out of my hands and something that the Sub-Committee should discuss with President Trump’s counsel," he continued.

The other side: "Your blanket refusal to comply with the subpoena in its entirety is improper," Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), the committee chairman, wrote in a letter to Navarro.

• "It is abundantly clear that you possess information responsive to the subpoena that is not covered by any colorable claims of executive privilege."