Civic Register
| 2.15.18

Bannon Meets Behind Closed Doors With House Intelligence Committee

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What’s the story?

There were rumors that former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon might not show up for a scheduled, closed door hearing with the House Intelligence Committee on Thursday. However, he did show up, accompanied by his legal team, and was escorted through throngs of reporters into the hearing room. He then proceeded to refuse to answer any substantive questions, invoking executive privilege, which may lead to contempt proceedings.

The White House has attempted to argue that executive privilege extends to the transition period between the election and President Trump’s inauguration, according to CNN, but lawmakers seem loathe to accept that argument.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), ranking member of the committee, addressed reporters following the proceedings, stating that Bannon refused to answer any questions not previously "scripted" by the White House, and invoked executive privilege. Schiff believes contempt proceedings should ensue:

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), chairman of the committee, did not immediately address reporters.

What do you think?

Did you think Bannon wouldn’t show up? Now that he has, do you think he’ll answer questions from lawmakers or plead executive privilege, per the White House? What do you think lawmakers should ask him?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr / Creative Commons)