The House panel investigating the January 6 riot questioned the Justice Department’s “baffled” decision not to charge former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows or Trump deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino , out of contempt of Congress.
Why It’s Important: The DOJ told the Jan. 6 committee on Friday that it would not charge Meadows or Scavino, the same day the department charged former Trump aide Peter Navarro with two charges of contempt of Congress after he refused. to comply with committee citations.
What they are saying: The Jan. 6 select committee praised Navarro’s Justice Department indictment, but questioned why Meadows and Scavino were saving themselves from office.
- “While today’s indictment of Peter Navarro was the right decision by the Justice Department, we find the decision to reward Mark Meadows and Dan Scavino for their continued attack on the rule of law disconcerting,” he said on Friday. the select committee on Twitter.
- “Mr. Meadows and Mr. Scavino certainly have relevant insights into President Trump’s role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the events of January 6. We hope that the Justice Department will provide more. clarity on this issue, “he added.
- “As the Selection Committee argued in the District Court, Mark Meadows’ assertion that he is entitled to absolute immunity is not correct or justified according to the memoranda of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Advocates. No one is above it. of the law “.
Overview: Matthew M. Graves, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, told House General Counsel Douglas Letter on Friday that Meadows and Scavino would not be charged, according to a letter obtained by the New York Times.
- “Depending on the individual facts and circumstances of his alleged contempt, my firm will not initiate criminal contempt proceedings as requested in the referral against Messrs. Meadows and Scavino,” the letter states.
- A charge of contempt of Congress is punishable by up to one year in prison, as well as a fine of up to $ 100,000, according to the DOJ.
Deepen: January 6 Commission: When is the First Hearing?