Peter Navarro, the former trade adviser to President Donald Trump, has taken a unique approach to defend himself while serving a four-month prison sentence for criminal contempt of Congress. In his new book, “The New Maga Deal: The Unofficial Deplorables Guide to Donald Trump’s 2024 Policy Platform,” Navarro praises Trump’s MAGA movement and outlines what he perceives as errors and omissions that led to his conviction. The book is set to be published on July 16, just a day before Navarro’s release from prison.
Navarro’s conviction stems from his refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House January 6 committee, which was investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol. He claims that the Department of Justice “played dirty pool” by neglecting its policies on executive privilege and that his trial was marred by a biased jury and anti-Trump protesters. Navarro questions the fairness of his trial, asking, “How do you spell ‘mistrial’?”
However, Navarro’s book contains its own set of errors and omissions. For instance, he misidentifies Ashli Babbitt, a Trump supporter who was shot dead at the Capitol, as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran when she actually served in the U.S. Air Force. He also incorrectly states that Rosanne Boyland was “beaten to death by Capitol police,” when in fact, she died in a crush.
Navarro’s narrative of the January 6 attack is controversial. He claims that much of the violence was instigated by “agent provocateurs” and FBI informants, a theory that has been debunked by multiple fact-checking organizations. He also alleges that Capitol Hill police officers facilitated the violence by removing barriers and waving protesters through, a claim that contradicts the documented efforts of officers who fought to stop the mob.
Navarro further asserts that then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected a request for 10,000 National Guard troops leading up to January 6, a claim that has been refuted by military leadership and fact-checkers. Despite these inaccuracies, Navarro’s book aims to articulate what he believes MAGA represents, describing it as an “iron triangle of Populist Economic Nationalism” focused on peace, prosperity, and national security.
The book includes contributions from notable Trump allies like Russ Vought, Mike Davis, and Frank Gaffney. The introduction is penned by Steve Bannon, another former Trump aide who was also convicted of criminal contempt of Congress. Bannon, currently serving his own prison sentence, praises Navarro’s book as “exhilarating to read” and “energizing to think about.”
Navarro’s legal troubles began when he refused to comply with a subpoena from the House January 6 committee, citing executive privilege. A Washington jury found him guilty of criminal contempt of Congress last September, and he was sentenced in January. His appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied in March, leading to his imprisonment in Florida.
Before reporting to jail, Navarro held a press conference where he described his case as an “unprecedented assault on the constitutional separation of powers.” He vowed to appeal his conviction, claiming it was the result of actions by “Trump-haters.” Navarro’s defense team argued that his prosecution violated the separation of powers doctrine, but Chief Justice John Roberts rejected his last-minute bid to remain free during his appeal.
Navarro’s conviction is significant as it marks a rare instance of a former White House official being held accountable for defying a congressional subpoena. His case has implications for future White House aides who might face similar legal challenges. Legal experts believe that Navarro’s punishment will strengthen Congress’s leverage in securing cooperation for its investigations.
The Justice Department’s decision to prosecute Navarro was unusual, as it typically avoids such actions against former White House advisers. Navarro’s wholesale non-compliance with the subpoena set him apart from other officials who have engaged in back-and-forth negotiations with lawmakers. His case highlights the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches over the limits of executive privilege and congressional oversight.
Navarro’s book, “The New Maga Deal,” is his latest attempt to defend his actions and promote Trump’s policy platform for the 2024 election. Despite the controversies and inaccuracies in his account, Navarro remains a staunch supporter of Trump and the MAGA movement. His book is likely to attract attention, especially with its introduction by Steve Bannon, another polarizing figure in Trump’s orbit.
As Navarro serves his sentence, he continues to assert his innocence and criticize the judicial system. His case serves as a reminder of the complex legal and political battles that continue to unfold in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
Source: The Guardian, CNN, CBS News
