In a blow to former Trump economic aide Peter Navarro, a federal judge has denied his latest bid to reduce his four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress.
Navarro, who is currently serving time in a Florida prison, had sought to shave off 30 days from his sentence in exchange for 30 days of supervised release, citing the First Step Act.
However, Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, DC, was unmoved by Navarro’s plea, ruling that the original sentence remains warranted.
Navarro’s legal woes stem from his refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Despite multiple appeals, including a rejected plea to the Supreme Court, Navarro reported to prison on March 19.
In his recent request, Navarro argued that the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform law, allowed for a reduction in his sentence in exchange for supervised release.
However, Judge Mehta disagreed, stating that the original sentence was fitting and remains so. Navarro’s case has drawn attention due to his high-profile role in the Trump administration and his defiant stance against the congressional investigation. The judge’s ruling marks another setback for Navarro in his quest to reduce his prison time.