Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said on Jan. 16 that the White House effectively enforced a "gag order" to prevent former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon from answering questions from lawmakers. Since being served subpoenas from the House Intelligence Committee and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III last month, the former White House chief strategist appears to have taken vastly different approaches to the two investigatory authorities. “At no point, people familiar with the interview said, did Bannon voluntarily elaborate on his answers.”What kind of game is Bannon playing? One possible explanation is that Bannon has turned on President Trump but does not want Trump to know it, even though the president has very much tried to distance himself from the former aide. Anything Bannon were to say to the House Intelligence Committee, chaired by Trump supporter and transition team member Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), might get back to the president.

Source: Washington Post February 15, 2018 22:06 UTC