(PatriotWise.com)- After the prosecution rested its case in podcaster Steve Bannon’s contempt of Congress trial on Wednesday after calling only two witnesses, Bannon’s attorneys told US District Judge Carl Nichols that the defense would not call any witnesses or present a case.
Bannon’s lawyer David Schoen told the judge that while Steve Bannon wanted to speak in his own defense, on advice of counsel, he would not do so since he “would be barred from testifying about his reliance on the advice” of his former counsel Robert Costello.
Speaking for the first time in court, Bannon told the judge that he was waiving his right to testify.
With the defense not presenting a case, on Friday morning, both sides presented their closing arguments before the case was handed to the jury.
During his closing arguments, Evan Corcoran continued to make the case that the January 6 committee’s subpoena deadlines were only placeholders as lawyers from both sides negotiated the final terms of cooperation. Corcoran accused the select committee of a rush to judgment, claiming the contempt charge was designed to “make an example of Steve Bannon.”
After less than three hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Bannon of two counts of contempt of Congress.
Speaking to reporters outside of the courthouse, Bannon said he respected the jury’s verdict but planned to appeal.
The podcaster reaffirmed his support for both former President Trump and the Constitution, and vowed that he would “never back off.”
Bannon thanked the court officers and the jury for participating in his trial, but blasted the “gutless” select committee for refusing to “come down here and testify.”
David Schoen expressed confidence that the conviction would be reversed on appeal, telling reporters their appeal was “bulletproof.”
Bannon’s sentencing is scheduled for October when he could face between 30 days and one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines for each charge.
On Friday evening, Bannon appeared on “Tucker Carlson Tonight” where he reiterated that he would “never back off.” He told Carlson that if he goes to jail, “so be it.”
Watch Bannon’s interview with Tucker Carlson HERE.
