Peter Navarro Becomes First Trump Official Imprisoned Over Jan 6

Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro reported to a federal prison in Miami, Florida on Tuesday to begin a four-month sentence for defying a congressional subpoena.

Key Quote: “I’m pissed. That’s what I’m feeling right now,” Navarro said, adding, “But I’m also afraid of only one thing: I’m afraid for this country because this, what they’re doing, should have a chilling effect on every American regardless of their party. They come for me, they can come for you.”

For Context: Navarro is the first Trump White House official to go to prison on charges related to the January 6th Capitol riot. He was convicted of contempt of Congress in September over his refusal to testify or turn over documents to the House January 6th committee. The judge in the case rejected Navarro’s claims of victimhood in January, citing his “obligation” to cooperate with Congress and saying, “They had a job to do. And you made it harder. It’s really that simple.” 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was common across the spectrum. Some coverage in left-rated outlets framed Navarro somewhat negatively; The New York Times (Lean Left bias) prominently noted that he “helped engineer Mr. Trump’s plans to stay in power after his electoral defeat,” and Politico (Lean Left bias) noted that Navarro made “a meandering 20-minute press conference at a strip mall parking lot.” Right-rated outlets often covered Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts’ refusal to keep Navarro out of prison; The Daily Caller (Right bias) put the issue in stark terms, writing, “TODAY … BIDEN JAILS ANOTHER POLITICAL OPPONENT.”