WASHINGTON — The United States Justice Department has decided to withdraw its lawsuit against former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro. Navarro was previously accused of conducting official government business through a private email account and of improperly keeping presidential documents during President Trump’s initial term, as disclosed in a court filing on Tuesday.
The brief filing submitted by the Justice Department in conjunction with Navarro’s attorney does not elucidate the reasons for dropping the case, which had been initiated in 2022 under President Joe Biden’s administration. It was agreed upon by both parties that they would cover their own legal fees and related expenses.
The lawsuit brought forth allegations that Navarro had employed an unofficial email platform, specifically a ProtonMail account, to manage his communications. The legal proceedings had been launched just weeks after Navarro was charged with criminal offenses for his non-compliance with a congressional probe regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This resulted in Navarro serving a four-month prison term for misdemeanor convictions.
The civil allegations stated that by utilizing an unofficial email system, Navarro neglected to submit presidential records to the National Archives and Records Administration as required. The dismissal of the lawsuit by the government came one day prior to a scheduled status conference for the case set to be overseen by U.S. Magistrate G. Michael Harvey.
Representatives from the Justice Department have declined to offer remarks regarding the decision. Similarly, an inquiry sent to Navarro’s legal representative did not receive an immediate reply. During Trump’s first presidency, Navarro held the position of trade adviser. Known for his vocal opposition to trade practices with China, he has also been appointed as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing for Trump’s subsequent term.