Peter Navarro's contempt trial to start Sept. 5 after judge rejects executive privilege claim

Former Trump White House trade adviser Peter Navarro's contempt of Congress trial is set to begin Sept. 5 after a federal judge Wednesday rejected his argument that President Donald Trump invoked executive privilege that prevented him from testifying before the House Jan. 6 committee.

Navarro pleaded not guilty to the contempt of Congress charges in June 2022 after he defied the Democrat-led Jan. 6 committee's subpoena.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, an Obama appointee, said Navarro had "not carried his burden" to prove that Trump invoked privilege over their conversations, which would prevent him from disclosing some information.

"The privilege cannot be asserted by mere acquiescence," Mehta said, according to The Messenger.

"There was no formal invocation of executive privilege by [Trump] after personal consideration nor authorization to Mr. Navarro to invoke privilege on his behalf," Mehta also said, The Hill reported.

Former Trump White House strategist Steve Bannon was found guilty of contempt of Congress last year on charges stemming from his lack of compliance with a Jan. 6 committee subpoena. He was sentenced to four months in prison but is free pending an appeal.

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