In a four-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols rejected Bannon’s argument that he should be allowed to file a lawsuit despite a judicial record that he says is invalid in the context of criminal defamation of congressional charges. The ruling is a blow to Bannon’s defense, as his lawyers hoped to argue at the trial that he relied on their bona fide advice when he defied a summons from Parliament’s select committee on January 6th. Bannon was indicted in November on contempt of court charges after Congress issued a criminal complaint to the Department of Justice in response to his stoning. Congress later voted to humiliate former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows over his own contempt for calling a select committee. However, Democrats have become increasingly frustrated, as federal prosecutors have not yet charged nearly four months after the House issued its criminal referral. On Wednesday, the select committee is set to vote on whether to refer two more former Trump aides – Dan Scavino and Peter Navarro – to Parliament for a vote of no confidence. Mariupol mayor kills more than 5,000 Democrats sound the alarm for a possible Iran nuclear deal The decision by Nichols, a Trump nominee, could make it more difficult for the jury to justify violating congressional summonses if the Department of Justice continues to prosecute referrals to Parliament. A Bannon’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bannon’s trial is set to begin on July 18.
