Bannon subpoenaed in Mueller’s Russia investigation

After a chaotic and vicious week of feuding following the release of “Fire and Fury,” Stephen Bannon, President Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, was subpoenaed last week by special counsel Robert Mueller to testify before a grand jury as part of the investigation into possible links between Trump’s associates and Russia, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

The move marked the first time Mueller is known to have used a grand jury subpoena to seek information from a member of Trump’s inner circle. The special counsel’s office has used subpoenas before to seek information on Trump’s associates and their possible ties to Russia or other foreign governments.

On Tuesday, a second subpoena for Bannon to testify came from a House panel.

The subpoena is a sign that Bannon is not personally the focus of the inquiry. Justice Department rules allow prosecutors to subpoena the targets of investigations only in rare circumstances.

Bannon was questioned for 10 hours Tuesday behind closed doors before the House Intelligence Committee, which is also conducting a Russian election meddling investigation. The meeting turned contentious as Bannon repeatedly said he could not answer questions, citing executive privilege.

The committee eventually subpoenaed Bannon to compel him to provide answers.