Steve Bannon could still prove himself an ally to Trump despite his new book causing a rift. The book made many allegations against Trump, his family and his administration.
A lot of what was written was of concern to the Russian inquiry. This led the House Intel Committee to interview Bannon.
Bannon wasn’t keen however and refused to cooperate. He was seemingly more committed to being a Trump ally than foe. It appeared he was trying to make up for the book he wrote.
Trump had disconnected himself from any contact with Bannon. He said that Bannon had lost his mind.
The Inquiry
Steve Bannon was subpoenaed to stand before a grand jury. He had refused to answer any questions regarding the Russian probe.
“Only Steve Bannon could unite this committee,” said Rep. Mike Quigley. Up to that moment the two Committees had taken different routes with their investigations.
Peter Zeidenberg, a former deputy special counsel had this to say about the situation. He said “they are going to try to get an understanding of the relationships and how things worked and explain why he came to that opinion.”
Barbara Van Gelder commented on Mueller’s attempt at acquiring information from Bannon.
She said “this is really Mueller’s way of cementing a day, time and place for that conversation, rather than negotiating an interview.”
Bannon’s attorney, William Burck told Rep. Adam B. Schiff that a gag order was given to Bannon. The White House told him not to respond to questions.
“This was effectively a gag order by the White House preventing this witness from answering almost any question concerning his time in the transition or the administration,” Schiff said.
