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| Steve Bannon indicted for refusing to comply with Capitol attack subpoena - live | Steve Bannon indicted for refusing to comply with Capitol attack subpoena - live |
| (31 minutes later) | |
| Trump’s former senior adviser has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress – follow live | Trump’s former senior adviser has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress – follow live |
| The House committee investigating the Capitol insurrection has criticised Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, for refusing to cooperate with its investigation. | |
| “Mr Meadows has failed to answer even the most basic questions, including whether he was using a private cellphone to communicate on 6 January, and where his text messages from that day are,” the committee said Friday. | |
| The House select committee warned earlier today, just after the indictment of Steve Bannon was announced, it may also move to hold Meadows in contempt for defying its subpoena. Meadows was scheduled to testify before the committee Friday morning, but refused to show. | |
| “And while we’re determined to get all the information we’re seeking, Mr Meadows, Mr Bannon, and others who go down this path won’t prevail in stopping the select committee’s effort getting answers for the American people about 6 January.” | |
| Cop26 reveals limits of Biden’s promise to ‘lead by example’ on climate crisis | Cop26 reveals limits of Biden’s promise to ‘lead by example’ on climate crisis |
| The crucial UN climate talks in Scotland have produced landmark commitments to phase out coalmining, to call time on the internal combustion engines and to compensate poorer countries for damage caused by the climate crisis. | The crucial UN climate talks in Scotland have produced landmark commitments to phase out coalmining, to call time on the internal combustion engines and to compensate poorer countries for damage caused by the climate crisis. |
| The United States, which has trumpeted its regained climate leadership at the summit, has not joined any these pledges as the talks draw to a close. | The United States, which has trumpeted its regained climate leadership at the summit, has not joined any these pledges as the talks draw to a close. |
| This disconnect has provided the world with a muddled sense of America’s willingness to confront the unfolding climate catastrophe, with the fate of historic legislation to lower planet-heating emissions still uncertain ahead of an expected vote in Congress next week. | This disconnect has provided the world with a muddled sense of America’s willingness to confront the unfolding climate catastrophe, with the fate of historic legislation to lower planet-heating emissions still uncertain ahead of an expected vote in Congress next week. |
| Joe Biden arrived in Glasgow vowing the US will “lead by example” on climate change and avoid disastrous global heating beyond 1.5C, dispatching his entire cabinet to the Cop26 talks and making widely praised new promises to cut methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and to end deforestation. | Joe Biden arrived in Glasgow vowing the US will “lead by example” on climate change and avoid disastrous global heating beyond 1.5C, dispatching his entire cabinet to the Cop26 talks and making widely praised new promises to cut methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and to end deforestation. |
| But the US is bedeviled by its recent past and – many delegates of other countries fear – its potential future, following Donald Trump’s embrace of climate science denialism and American isolationism. | But the US is bedeviled by its recent past and – many delegates of other countries fear – its potential future, following Donald Trump’s embrace of climate science denialism and American isolationism. |
| Read more: | Read more: |
| Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, the chairs of the congressional committee investigating the 6 January attack, have said the indictment of Steve Bannon shows “no one is above the law”. The former Trump adviser had refused to comply with subpoenas from the committee. | Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, the chairs of the congressional committee investigating the 6 January attack, have said the indictment of Steve Bannon shows “no one is above the law”. The former Trump adviser had refused to comply with subpoenas from the committee. |
| “Steve Bannon’s indictment should send a clear message to anyone who thinks they can ignore the select committee or try to stonewall our investigation: no one is above the law. We will not hesitate to use the tools at our disposal to get the information we need,” Cheney and Thompson said in a statement. | “Steve Bannon’s indictment should send a clear message to anyone who thinks they can ignore the select committee or try to stonewall our investigation: no one is above the law. We will not hesitate to use the tools at our disposal to get the information we need,” Cheney and Thompson said in a statement. |
| Britney Spears’s conservatorship terminated after almost 14 years | Britney Spears’s conservatorship terminated after almost 14 years |
| In non-Washington news, Britney Spears has regained her independence after a judge approved the termination of the conservatorship that denied the pop star any right to make key decisions about her life. | In non-Washington news, Britney Spears has regained her independence after a judge approved the termination of the conservatorship that denied the pop star any right to make key decisions about her life. |
| More from my colleague Sam Levin: | More from my colleague Sam Levin: |
| Hi everyone. I’m Dani Anguiano and I’ll be taking over our live US politics coverage for the rest of the afternoon. | Hi everyone. I’m Dani Anguiano and I’ll be taking over our live US politics coverage for the rest of the afternoon. |
| Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon is expected to turn himself in on Monday after being indicted on two counts of contempt of Congress. Bannon had failed to appear before a congressional committee investigating the 6 January attack on the Capitol. | Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon is expected to turn himself in on Monday after being indicted on two counts of contempt of Congress. Bannon had failed to appear before a congressional committee investigating the 6 January attack on the Capitol. |
| His case has been assigned to Judge Carl Nichols, Politico reported, a Trump appointee who clerked for supreme court justice Clarence Thomas. | His case has been assigned to Judge Carl Nichols, Politico reported, a Trump appointee who clerked for supreme court justice Clarence Thomas. |
| That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Dani Anguiano, will take over the blog for the next few hours. | That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Dani Anguiano, will take over the blog for the next few hours. |
| Here’s where the day stands so far: | Here’s where the day stands so far: |
| A federal grand jury has indicted Steve Bannon on two counts of contempt of Congress, after the former adviser to Donald Trump refused to comply with a subpoena issued by the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection. The indictment sends a clear message to Trump allies that they could face criminal consequences for ignoring the committee’s demands. | A federal grand jury has indicted Steve Bannon on two counts of contempt of Congress, after the former adviser to Donald Trump refused to comply with a subpoena issued by the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection. The indictment sends a clear message to Trump allies that they could face criminal consequences for ignoring the committee’s demands. |
| The committee warned it may also hold Mark Meadows in criminal contempt for refusing to appear for a scheduled deposition this morning. Meadows, Trump’s former chief of staff, has cited the former president’s questionable claims of executive privilege to justify his lack of cooperation with the committee. The leaders of the committee said, “Mr Meadows’s actions today – choosing to defy the law – will force the select committee to consider pursuing contempt or other proceedings to enforce the subpoena.” | The committee warned it may also hold Mark Meadows in criminal contempt for refusing to appear for a scheduled deposition this morning. Meadows, Trump’s former chief of staff, has cited the former president’s questionable claims of executive privilege to justify his lack of cooperation with the committee. The leaders of the committee said, “Mr Meadows’s actions today – choosing to defy the law – will force the select committee to consider pursuing contempt or other proceedings to enforce the subpoena.” |
| Joe Biden will name an “infrastructure coordinator” to oversee the implementation of the $1.2tn infrastructure bill, the White House press secretary said. Jen Psaki did not name the coordinator, but she noted it will be “someone from outside the administration”. Biden is scheduled to sign the infrastructure bill on Monday. | Joe Biden will name an “infrastructure coordinator” to oversee the implementation of the $1.2tn infrastructure bill, the White House press secretary said. Jen Psaki did not name the coordinator, but she noted it will be “someone from outside the administration”. Biden is scheduled to sign the infrastructure bill on Monday. |
| Biden announced he will nominate Robert Califf to serve as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. But Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has already said he will oppose the nomination of Califf, who led the FDA during the final months of Barack Obama’s presidency. In order to get Califf confirmed, the White House will need to convince at least one Republican to support his nomination. | Biden announced he will nominate Robert Califf to serve as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. But Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has already said he will oppose the nomination of Califf, who led the FDA during the final months of Barack Obama’s presidency. In order to get Califf confirmed, the White House will need to convince at least one Republican to support his nomination. |
| Dani will have more coming up, so stay tuned. | Dani will have more coming up, so stay tuned. |
| Mark Meadows’ attorney has argued that it would be inappropriate to testify before the select committee until the courts reach a final decision on Donald Trump’s claims of executive privilege over materials related to the Capitol insurrection. | Mark Meadows’ attorney has argued that it would be inappropriate to testify before the select committee until the courts reach a final decision on Donald Trump’s claims of executive privilege over materials related to the Capitol insurrection. |
| But in their new statement, the Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, and the Republican vice-chair, Liz Cheney, dismissed the validity of those claims. | But in their new statement, the Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, and the Republican vice-chair, Liz Cheney, dismissed the validity of those claims. |
| “[T]he record will reveal the wide range of matters the Select Committee wished to discuss with Mr. Meadows until his decision to hide behind the former President’s spurious claims of privilege,” the lawmakers said. “Many of those matters are not even conceivably subject to any privilege claim, even if there were one.” | “[T]he record will reveal the wide range of matters the Select Committee wished to discuss with Mr. Meadows until his decision to hide behind the former President’s spurious claims of privilege,” the lawmakers said. “Many of those matters are not even conceivably subject to any privilege claim, even if there were one.” |
| According to Thompson and Cheney, Meadows has refused to answer “even the most basic questions, including whether he was using a private cell phone to communicate on January 6th, and where his text messages from that day are”. | According to Thompson and Cheney, Meadows has refused to answer “even the most basic questions, including whether he was using a private cell phone to communicate on January 6th, and where his text messages from that day are”. |
| They concluded, “And while we’re determined to get all the information we’re seeking, Mr Meadows, [Steve] Bannon, and others who go down this path won’t prevail in stopping the Select Committee’s effort getting answers for the American people about January 6th, making legislative recommendations to help protect our democracy, and helping ensure nothing like that day ever happens again.” | They concluded, “And while we’re determined to get all the information we’re seeking, Mr Meadows, [Steve] Bannon, and others who go down this path won’t prevail in stopping the Select Committee’s effort getting answers for the American people about January 6th, making legislative recommendations to help protect our democracy, and helping ensure nothing like that day ever happens again.” |
| Moments after the indictment of Steve Bannon was announced, the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection warned it may also move to hold Mark Meadows in contempt for defying its subpoena. | Moments after the indictment of Steve Bannon was announced, the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection warned it may also move to hold Mark Meadows in contempt for defying its subpoena. |
| Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, was scheduled to testify before the committee this morning, but he refused to show. | Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, was scheduled to testify before the committee this morning, but he refused to show. |
| The Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, and the Republican vice-chair, Liz Cheney, said Meadows’ refusal to appear may result in a contempt resolution. | The Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, and the Republican vice-chair, Liz Cheney, said Meadows’ refusal to appear may result in a contempt resolution. |
| “Mr Meadows’s actions today – choosing to defy the law – will force the select committee to consider pursuing contempt or other proceedings to enforce the subpoena,” Thompson and Cheney said. | “Mr Meadows’s actions today – choosing to defy the law – will force the select committee to consider pursuing contempt or other proceedings to enforce the subpoena,” Thompson and Cheney said. |
| “It’s unfortunate that Mr Meadows has chosen to join a very small group of witnesses who believe they are above the law and are defying a select committee subpoena outright.” | “It’s unfortunate that Mr Meadows has chosen to join a very small group of witnesses who believe they are above the law and are defying a select committee subpoena outright.” |
| Adam Kinzinger, one of two Republicans serving on the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection, said the indictment of Steve Bannon was “great news”. | Adam Kinzinger, one of two Republicans serving on the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection, said the indictment of Steve Bannon was “great news”. |
| Speaking to CNN moments ago, the Illinois lawmaker argued that the indictment sent a “chilling message” to other witnesses who may consider following Bannon’s example by defying committee subpoenas. | Speaking to CNN moments ago, the Illinois lawmaker argued that the indictment sent a “chilling message” to other witnesses who may consider following Bannon’s example by defying committee subpoenas. |
| “You cannot ignore Congress,” Kinzinger said. “You’re not going to be able to avoid it.” | “You cannot ignore Congress,” Kinzinger said. “You’re not going to be able to avoid it.” |
| Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, was scheduled to testify before the Capitol attack select committee this morning, but he refused to appear. | Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, was scheduled to testify before the Capitol attack select committee this morning, but he refused to appear. |
| Meadows’ attorney has argued that it would be inappropriate to testify until the courts deliver a final ruling on Trump’s claims of executive privilege over materials linked to the Capitol insurrection. | Meadows’ attorney has argued that it would be inappropriate to testify until the courts deliver a final ruling on Trump’s claims of executive privilege over materials linked to the Capitol insurrection. |
| However, the White House and the Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, have argued that Trump’s executive privilege claims do not withstand legal scrutiny. | However, the White House and the Democratic chair of the select committee, Bennie Thompson, have argued that Trump’s executive privilege claims do not withstand legal scrutiny. |
| The select committee has not yet indicated whether members plan to recommend contempt charges against Meadows, as they did with Steve Bannon. | The select committee has not yet indicated whether members plan to recommend contempt charges against Meadows, as they did with Steve Bannon. |
| The news of Steve Bannon’s indictment comes on the same day that Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, refused to appear for a scheduled deposition before the select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection. | The news of Steve Bannon’s indictment comes on the same day that Mark Meadows, the former chief of staff to Donald Trump, refused to appear for a scheduled deposition before the select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection. |
| Bannon’s indictment sends a clear signal to Meadows and other Trump allies that they could face criminal consequences for defying subpoenas from the committee. | Bannon’s indictment sends a clear signal to Meadows and other Trump allies that they could face criminal consequences for defying subpoenas from the committee. |
| Attorney general Merrick Garland said the indictment of Steve Bannon demonstrated the justice department’s commitment to “equal justice under the law”. | Attorney general Merrick Garland said the indictment of Steve Bannon demonstrated the justice department’s commitment to “equal justice under the law”. |
| “Since my first day in office, I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law,” Garland said in a statement. | “Since my first day in office, I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law,” Garland said in a statement. |
| “Today’s charges reflect the department’s steadfast commitment to these principles.” | “Today’s charges reflect the department’s steadfast commitment to these principles.” |
| Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to Donald Trump, has now been indicted for refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection. | Steve Bannon, a former senior adviser to Donald Trump, has now been indicted for refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection. |
| According to a statement from the justice department, Bannon has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress. | According to a statement from the justice department, Bannon has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress. |
| “Bannon, 67, is charged with one contempt count involving his refusal to appear for a deposition and another involving his refusal to produce documents,” the statement says. | “Bannon, 67, is charged with one contempt count involving his refusal to appear for a deposition and another involving his refusal to produce documents,” the statement says. |
| “An arraignment date has not yet been set in the US district court for the District of Columbia.” | “An arraignment date has not yet been set in the US district court for the District of Columbia.” |
| The blog will have more details coming up, so stay tuned. | The blog will have more details coming up, so stay tuned. |
| Joe Biden argued that the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill demonstrated how a democracy can still benefits its citizens. | Joe Biden argued that the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill demonstrated how a democracy can still benefits its citizens. |
| “The American people sent us here to deliver,” the president said at the start of his cabinet meeting today. | “The American people sent us here to deliver,” the president said at the start of his cabinet meeting today. |
| “The American people sent us here to make the government work. And they sent us here to make a difference in their lives. And I believe we’re doing that.” | “The American people sent us here to make the government work. And they sent us here to make a difference in their lives. And I believe we’re doing that.” |
| Biden pledged all the $1.2tn in funds from the bill will be used “efficiently and effectively,” and he indicated he will name a coordinator to oversee implementation of the proposal sometime next week. | Biden pledged all the $1.2tn in funds from the bill will be used “efficiently and effectively,” and he indicated he will name a coordinator to oversee implementation of the proposal sometime next week. |
| Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, has thrown her support behind a plan to stage risky and unprecedented parliamentary and presidential elections in Libya next month, even though human rights groups have warned the conditions for fair elections may not exist. | Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, has thrown her support behind a plan to stage risky and unprecedented parliamentary and presidential elections in Libya next month, even though human rights groups have warned the conditions for fair elections may not exist. |
| Harris attended a conference in Paris on the future of Libya attended by more than 30 countries and hosted by the French president, Emmanuel Macron; the German chancellor, Angela Merkel; and the Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi. | Harris attended a conference in Paris on the future of Libya attended by more than 30 countries and hosted by the French president, Emmanuel Macron; the German chancellor, Angela Merkel; and the Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi. |
| Human Rights Watch said elections were a much-needed chance for a reset in the country but warned “free and fair elections will hardly be possible without rule of law, justice, and accountability that are currently sorely lacking”. | Human Rights Watch said elections were a much-needed chance for a reset in the country but warned “free and fair elections will hardly be possible without rule of law, justice, and accountability that are currently sorely lacking”. |
| The US – and the bulk of the international community at the Paris summit – took the view that Libya was more likely to slide into chaos if the elections were not held, starting on 24 December. | The US – and the bulk of the international community at the Paris summit – took the view that Libya was more likely to slide into chaos if the elections were not held, starting on 24 December. |
| Joe Biden is now holding a meeting with his cabinet to discuss the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which he will sign on Monday. | Joe Biden is now holding a meeting with his cabinet to discuss the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which he will sign on Monday. |
| Kamala Harris joined the meeting by telephone, as the vice-president has been in Paris this week to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and mark Veterans Day there. | Kamala Harris joined the meeting by telephone, as the vice-president has been in Paris this week to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and mark Veterans Day there. |
| At the start of the meeting, Biden emphasized that the passage of the infrastructure bill represented a moment of “immense hope and possibilities” for America. | At the start of the meeting, Biden emphasized that the passage of the infrastructure bill represented a moment of “immense hope and possibilities” for America. |
| “It’s hard, but we can still come together to get something big done for the American people,” Biden said. | “It’s hard, but we can still come together to get something big done for the American people,” Biden said. |