The Falacy Behind Trump's 'Authorization' of Steve Bannon's Testimony

When President Trump attempted to interfere with Steve Bannon's testimony before the January 6 Capital Riot Hearing, it was a clear indication of his ongoing attempts to interfere with the truth and evade accountability. As a former President, Trump may claim that he has the power to authorize or forbid anyone from testifying, but in reality, his actions serve little more than a publicity stunt.

Why Trump's Claims Are Invalid

During Nixon's presidency in the 1970s, and even before that with Eisenhower, it was understood that no sitting president could prevent a former or current official from testifying in front of Congress. This principle is based on the idea that all Americans, regardless of their status, are subject to the law and the pursuit of truth. As such, when Trump tried to stop Steve Bannon from testifying, it exposed his ineffectual grasp on the legal realities of the situation.

While Hillary Clinton chose to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights, trump has chosen a different path, leveraging his influence to try to obstruct the process. In court testimonies, Trump has taken the Fifth, leading some to speculate that he might do the same here.

The Actual Situation

Steve Bannon, a key figure in the January 6th events, faces significant legal challenges. As an individual, he is no longer the President of the United States, but a private citizen facing grave felony charges for insurrection and sedition. Given his history, there is no need for authorization from anyone, let alone from Trump, who is now just an ordinary citizen himself.

Manipulative Use of Power

Trump's claim that he authorized Bannon to testify appears to be another one of his many lies. By attempting to exercise a power he does not possess, Trump seeks to mislead and distract the public. This manipulation is not surprising given his history of trying to obscure the truth and evade responsibility. It is a continuation of the games he has been playing since the January 6th events.

What to Expect from Bannon

Steve Bannon is likely to use his testimony to further his agenda and disrupt the proceedings. He may attempt to provide misleading or false information to delay the committee's work or cast doubt on their findings. This aligns with his previous behavior and public statements, where he has consistently sought to blur the lines between fact and fiction.

Trump, recognizing that his control of the situation is negligible, appears to be trying to appear involved by giving that 'magic wand' wave. But in the grand scheme of things, it is merely another attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the process and evade accountability.

In conclusion, Trump's attempts to authorize Steve Bannon to testify are a clear demonstration of his lack of power and his unwillingness to accept responsibility. As the proceedings continue, it is important to remain vigilant in discerning between fact and fiction, and to support a fair and transparent investigation into the events of January 6th.