Washington – Former Trump advisor Peter Navarro is making an appeal to the Supreme Court, seeking to delay his four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress. Navarro is pushing to remain free while he challenges his conviction before the federal appeals court in Washington, DC, rather than reporting to a federal prison in Miami by March 19. His legal team argues that delaying the lower court’s ruling is justified, as Navarro is not a flight risk and has raised significant legal questions in his appeal.
Despite two lower courts rejecting similar appeals, Navarro remains adamant in his fight to avoid imprisonment. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals recently denied his plea to stay free while the appeal process unfolds, stating that Navarro had not proven substantial legal grounds for his request. The Supreme Court has requested prosecutors to respond to Navarro’s case by Monday afternoon, signaling a pivotal moment in his legal battle.
At the core of Navarro’s defense is the contention that he was wrongly prevented from raising an executive privilege defense at his trial. He argues that a potential reversal of this decision by the appeals court should prevent his incarceration as his case progresses. Comparisons have been drawn to the case of Steve Bannon, who was allowed to stay out of prison while his contempt of Congress conviction is reviewed by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals.
Navarro’s initial conviction in September stemmed from his refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. As the legal saga continues, Navarro remains determined to overturn his conviction and evade imprisonment. The outcome of his appeal could have broader implications for future cases involving contempt of Congress charges.