In a dramatic turn of events, Representative Thomas Massie has come forward with a solution that could potentially stop Steve Bannon’s imprisonment. His plan? Urge Speaker Mike Johnson to rescind the congressional subpoena against Bannon and disavow what he calls the “J6 witch hunt.” This comes after a recent decision by a Washington, D.C. judge to deny Bannon’s appeal, requiring him to surrender to prison by July 1.
Here’s the backstory: Bannon was convicted for defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6 events. He stood his ground, citing President Trump’s assertion of executive privilege. However, United States District Court Judge Carl Nichols wasn’t swayed and rejected Bannon’s plea to stay his sentence while he preps for an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
.@SpeakerJohnson, why don’t we rescind the Congressional subpoena for Steve Bannon and officially repudiate the J6 committee by a vote of Congress?
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) June 7, 2024
So, why is this so controversial? Bannon’s refusal to provide documents is rooted in a longstanding tradition of executive privilege, dating all the way back to George Washington. Mike Davis, a former clerk for Justice Gorsuch and a regular on Bannon’s show “War Room,” pointed out last month that presidents must receive candid advice from their advisors without fearing congressional repercussions or imprisonment.
Enter Rep. Thomas Massie, who believes Speaker Mike Johnson holds the power to change Bannon’s fate. Massie took to social media, suggesting, “Mike Johnson, Why don’t we rescind the Congressional subpoena for Steve Bannon and officially repudiate the J6 committee by a vote of Congress?” It’s a bold move, no doubt about it.
But Massie didn’t stop there. He called on Americans to voice their concerns to Johnson directly. “#1. He’s not going to do it just because it’s a good idea. He has to hear from Americans. You can stay on the couch, just pick up your phone and dial,” Massie urged. He also criticized Johnson for canceling a workday in D.C. at Pelosi’s request, highlighting the need for action over complacency.
#1. He’s not going to do it just because it’s a good idea. He has to hear from Americans. You can stay on the couch, just pick up your phone and dial.
#2. We only worked in DC for 3 days this week. Johnson canceled today because Pelosi asked him to due to D-day anniversary.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) June 7, 2024
The stakes are high. If Johnson rescinds the subpoena, it could set a precedent for protecting advisors under executive privilege and challenge the legitimacy of the January 6 committee’s findings. For conservatives, this could be seen as a victory for constitutional rights and executive authority. For critics, it might look like an attempt to evade accountability and justice.
As of now, Speaker Johnson’s response remains to be seen. Will he heed Massie’s call and take steps to prevent Bannon’s imprisonment? Or will he uphold the judiciary’s decision, maintaining the integrity of the subpoena process?
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