Former Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro was found guilty on Thursday of two counts of criminal contempt of Congress. This conviction, a result of Navarro’s refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, makes him the second senior official from the Trump administration, after former White House strategist Steve Bannon, to face legal repercussions for obstructing the investigation into the events surrounding January 6.

According to the US Department of Justice:

Each count of contempt of Congress carries a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year in jail, as well as a fine of up to $100,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

US District Judge Amit Mehta will oversee the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 12, 2024.

Prior to the trial, Navarro had staunchly defended himself by asserting multiple claims of executive privilege to deflect the contempt charges. These efforts were in vain, however, as Judge Mehta rejected these defenses, noting an absence of evidence that Trump directed Navarro to invoke executive privilege as a response to the subpoena.

The trial proceeded with notable speed, beginning with jury selection on Tuesday and concluding witness testimonies by Wednesday afternoon. Throughout its duration, Navarro remained defiant, criticizing the Biden administration for “weaponizing” the judiciary and seeking contributions for his legal defense fund.

Navarro’s conviction signifies another milestone in the extensive investigations surrounding the efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election outcome and the January 6 Capitol riot.

This conviction joins a series of legal issues facing members of the Trump administration. Separately, Steve Bannon will stand trial in New York on May 27, 2024, for allegedly misusing over $15 million from donors through his “We Build the Wall” organization, facing charges including money laundering and conspiracy. This comes on the heels of his previous conviction on contempt of Congress charges, a verdict he is currently appealing.

Before embroiling himself in legal troubles, Navarro held a significant role as a trade adviser during Trump’s tenure, where he spearheaded the creation of trade policies, predominantly with regard to China. After the 2020 election, Navarro redirected his efforts towards initiatives to sustain Trump’s presidency, a campaign that now finds him ensnared in legal difficulties.