On June 7, 2023, former President Donald Trump was charged with two charges of contempt of Congress. The accusations originate from Trump’s failure to help with the House Select Committee looking into the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The indictment alleges that Trump “willfully and unlawfully” defied a subpoena issued by the committee on December 8, 2021. The subpoena demanded that Trump produce documents and testify before the committee. Trump refused to comply with the subpoena, arguing that it was politically motivated and that he had executive privilege.
The indictment is the second time that Trump has been charged with a crime since leaving office. In July 2021, Trump was charged with inciting an insurrection for his role in the January 6 attack. However, a grand jury declined to indict Trump on those charges.
If convicted of the contempt charges, Trump could face up to a year in prison and a fine of $100,000. The charges are the latest development in the ongoing investigation into the January 6 attack. The committee is expected to hold public hearings in the coming months to present its findings.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has stated his intention to defend the claims. He has referred to the inquiry as a “witch hunt” and claimed to be the subject of “presidential harassment.”
Trump’s indictment is a big milestone in American politics. It is the first indictment of a former president since Richard Nixon. The accusations might have a significant influence on Trump’s political future, as well as the Republican Party.
