Jury starts deliberations in contempt trial of former Trump aide Steve Bannon

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House chief strategist Steve Bannon arrives following his trial on contempt of Congress charges for his refusal to cooperate with the U.S. House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, at U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S., July 22, 2022. 

A jury in Washington began deliberations Friday in the trial of Steve Bannon, the former top Trump White House aide who is accused of contempt of Congress.

The House select committee is investigating the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol by a mob of supporters of then- President Donald Trump.

If he is found guilty of contempt, he will be sentenced to 30 days in jail.

In her closing argument, the prosecutor told the jury that Bannon was a traitor to Donald Trump.

He didn't want to acknowledge Congress' authority or play by the government's rules. People show up and our government works. People play by the rules. If people are held accountable when they don't, it will work.

The trial started Monday with jury selection.

The judge in the case limited the evidence that could be presented at trial.

According to NBC, Evan Corcoran tried to suggest that Bennie Thompson did not sign a subpoena for Bannon. The line of argument was dropped.

In their deliberations, jurors were asked to forget about January 6.

January 6, 2021, will be the last time we will remember it. It is part of our collective memories. There is no evidence that SteveBannon was involved in this case. We need to put out our thoughts on January 6.

The jury began their deliberations at 12:14 p.m. The closing arguments ended at that time.