MILWAUKEE — Peter Navarro, a former advisor in President Donald Trump’s administration, commanded a fervent reception at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, mere hours after his release from federal prison in Miami. Navarro, who had been serving a sentence since March for contempt of Congress, utilized his platform to deliver a combative and impassioned address that underscored his ongoing discontent with what he described as a politically biased judicial system.

Navarro, a central figure in Trump's efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election, used his appearance to issue a stark warning. “This morning, I did walk out of federal prison,” Navarro declared. “If they can come for me, if they can come for Donald Trump, be careful. They will come for you.” His remarks elicited a thunderous response from the convention audience, signaling the robust support he continues to garner among many Republicans.

Navarro’s imprisonment was a result of his refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. His speech at the convention deviated markedly from the more restrained and controlled rhetoric of other speakers. Navarro lambasted the congressional committee, led by Democrats, labeling it a "sham" and accusing it of overstepping its bounds by demanding he breach executive privilege. “Here’s how it went,” Navarro recounted. “Here’s how I got in prison. The legislative branch came for me first. Your favorite Democrat, Nancy Pelosi, created your favorite committee, the sham Jan. 6th committee which demanded that I... violate executive privilege. What did I do? I refused.”

Navarro’s unvarnished rhetoric stood in contrast to the moderated tones advised for other convention speakers, particularly in light of recent recommendations from Trump’s campaign to temper inflammatory statements following an assassination attempt against Trump in Pennsylvania. NBC News reported that Trump’s campaign had suggested reducing provocative language, yet Navarro confirmed he had not received such guidance.

In his address, Navarro adopted a fervent tone as he assailed the Biden administration. He accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of exacerbating what he characterized as a crisis at the southern border, alleging that the administration allowed “murderers and rapists” to enter the country, thereby displacing American workers, especially those who are “Black, brown, and blue-collar.” Navarro also condemned the Democrats for purportedly indoctrinating children with what he termed “poisonous attitudes on race and gender.”

“I went to prison so you won’t have to,” Navarro proclaimed, casting himself as a martyr in a larger struggle against perceived political persecution. His assertion of being a "wake-up call" resonated with the audience, who responded with chants of “we got this,” further amplifying support for his defiant stance.

In a spontaneous and unscripted moment, Navarro invited his fiancée onto the stage and shared a kiss with her, a gesture that invigorated the crowd and reinforced his connection with the audience. He continued to emphasize his theme of resistance, stating, “That’s what these lawfare jackals don’t understand.” This impromptu act underscored Navarro's role as a symbol of resistance against what he views as unjust legal and political attacks.

Navarro's speech highlighted the deepening divisions in American politics, particularly regarding issues of legal accountability and political bias. His address reflected broader themes of resistance and grievance among Trump’s base, illustrating the ongoing contentious dynamics within the current political landscape.