Former Trump adviser Steven Bannon surrendered to the FBI on charges of contempt of Congress.
Driving the news: A grand jury last week indicted Bannon on two counts of contempt of Congress for his failure to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Jan. 6 select committee. He is expected to appear before a judge later on Monday.
What he’s saying: “I don’t want anybody to take their eye off the ball…We’re taking down the Biden regime every day,” Bannon said Monday, Axios’ Alayna Treene reports.
• “I want you guys to stay focused, stay on message. Remember signal not noise. This is all noise, not signal. Thank you very much.”
Our thought bubble via Axios’ Jonathan Swan: Bannon’s friends say probably nobody has enjoyed being indicted more than Bannon. He sees it as an opportunity to elevate his status as a MAGA martyr and promote his already high-rating podcast. This is all political theatre to Bannon.
The big picture: The select committee has subpoenaed dozens of former Trump aides as part of its investigation into the Capitol riot.
• Bannon’s indictment marked the first time the Justice Department has charged someone for contempt of Congress since the 1980s. He faces fines and possible jail time if convicted.
• House Intelligence chairman Adam Schiff on Sunday said that Bannon’s indictment could “influence other witnesses” to cooperate with the committee.
• Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows could also face contempt of Congress charges, after failing to appear before the committee on Friday.