In a statement while en route to vote in Florida’s primary election, 2024 GOP presumptive nominee Donald Trump slammed the Supreme Court’s decision regarding his former advisor Peter Navarro‘s legal battle. Trump labeled the ruling a “disgrace” and a “shame,” emphasizing his discontent with the outcome.
When questioned by a reporter about the Supreme Court’s denial of Navarro’s request to remain out of prison pending appeal on contempt charges, Trump expressed his frustration.
Trump on Navarro being sent to prison:
“It’s a disgrace to our nation what they did to him.”pic.twitter.com/VA7fXUGDv5
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) March 19, 2024
“Do you think the supreme court should have kept Peter Navarro out of prison?” A reporter asked.
Trump responded, “I think it’s a shame, I think it’s a disgrace. It’s a disgrace to our nation what they did to him.”
Navarro, who faces a four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress, had sought to avoid incarceration while appealing his conviction. The Supreme Court’s decision to reject his request sent shockwaves through political circles.
Chief Justice John Roberts penned the decision, pointing to Navarro’s supposed failure to establish his entitlement to relief under the Bail Reform Act. Roberts cited Navarro’s forfeiture of key arguments challenging the court’s conclusions regarding executive privilege and his obligation to appear before Congress.
Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the decision: “The application for release pending appeal under 18 U. S. C. §3143(b) is denied. This application concerns only the question of whether the applicant, Peter Navarro, has met his burden to establish his entitlement to relief under the Bail Reform Act.”
“The Court of Appeals disposed of the proceeding on the ground that Navarro ‘forfeited’ any argument in this release proceeding challenging the District Court’s conclusion that ‘executive privilege was not invoked,’ ‘forfeited any challenge’ to the conclusion that relief would not be required in any event because of the qualified nature of executive privilege, and ‘forfeited any challenge’ to the conclusion that apart from executive privilege, he was still obligated to appear before Congress and answer questions seeking information outside the scope of the asserted privilege. Order in No. 24–3006 (DC, Mar. 14, 2024). I see no basis to disagree with the determination that Navarro forfeited those arguments in the release proceeding, which is distinct from his pending appeal on the merits.”
Navarro’s legal team had contended that he couldn’t comply with the congressional subpoena due to his belief in the invocation of executive privilege. Addressing the court at his sentencing, Navarro expressed his honest belief in the privilege’s invocation when he received the subpoena.
Despite facing imprisonment, Navarro remained resolute in his convictions, expressing concern for the country’s future. “I’m not nervous,” he declared before reporting to prison, “afraid for this country because this, what they’re doing should have a chilling effect on every American regardless of their party.”
