Ex-Trump aide Peter Navarro has been charged with contempt of Congress.

An ex-top White House adviser has been charged with contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with the investigation into the US Capitol riot last year.

Peter Navarro is the second Trump aide to be arrested after refusing to comply with a legal summons issued by the congressional committee investigating the attack.

Mr. Navarro, 72, accused prosecutors and the FBI of misconduct in court.

His indictment comes just a week before the committee’s televised hearings on its investigation begin.

More than 1,000 witnesses have been interviewed by the US House of Representatives panel, which is made up of seven Democrats and two Republicans.

Steve Bannon, former President Donald Trump’s chief strategist, was charged with contempt of Congress last November.

He did not enter a plea at his hearing on Friday in Washington DC, despite being a China hawk who advised Mr Trump on trade issues and served on the Covid task force.

Mr. Navarro could face up to two years in prison or a fine.

He was arrested earlier in the day by FBI agents at a Washington airport while attempting to board a flight to Nashville, Tennessee.

“Who are these individuals? This isn’t America, folks “According to the report, the former economics professor stated in court. “For four years, I was a distinguished public servant!”

Outside, Mr. Navarro objected to being placed in handcuffs and leg irons while being taken into custody.