Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has urged the Republican-led House to repeal subpoenas issued to former Trump advisers Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro. The subpoenas, part of the January 6 Committee’s investigation, led to contempt charges against both men. Massie’s call comes as the GOP has faced criticism for not taking significant action despite controlling the House.
Reacting to Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-KY) suggestion that the GOP should have repealed the subpoenas when they took the House in 2022, Massie wrote on social media, “The Republican House should, by an official vote of the House, declare the subpoenas on Bannon and Navarro to have been illegitimately issued, and vote to repeal them.” Paul had earlier expressed frustration that his recommendation was ignored.
Navarro, who began his four-month sentence earlier this year, and Bannon, ordered to surrender by July 1, both ignored subpoenas from the Jan. 6 committee. Repealing these subpoenas could potentially nullify their contempt charges. Massie reiterated his call to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), urging him to rescind the subpoenas and officially repudiate the Jan. 6 committee by a congressional vote.
Massie faced criticism on social media for seemingly posturing online instead of directly confronting Speaker Johnson. He countered by stating that Johnson needs to hear from Americans and that legislative action requires public support. However, some users remain skeptical that the GOP will take meaningful action, given past inaction on similar issues.
Maybe Congress should start offering participation trophies to the members—at least then they’d have something to show for all the sound and fury.
