Former Trump campaign chairman Steve Bannon delivered a potentially damaging testimony against Roger Stone, saying that he saw Stone as the "access point" between the Trump campaign and WikiLeaks.

The website that leaked stolen emails that were damaging to Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Bannon testified on Friday but made it clear he was only appearing because he was subpoenaed.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) (OVER CAMERA MOVEMENT) FORMER TRUMP AID STEVE BANNON:

"Yes, I was compelled to testify. I was compelled to testify under subpoena by (Special Council Robert) Mueller. I was under subpoena by the House (of Representatives). I got a handwritten subpoena in my House testimony. I was forced to go to the Grand Jury and I'm forced and compelled to come here today."

Stone, a Trump ally and self-described "dirty trickster" - faces charges that include obstructing justice, witness tampering and lying to the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee - in a case that stems from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The Republican political operative has pleased not guilty to all charges.

In sworn testimony, Stone told the House Intelligence committee in 2017 that he had never communicated with any members of Trump's campaign about WikiLeaks or Julian Assange.

But Bannon this week said he and Stone had discussed WikiLeaks on several occasions before and after he joined Trump's campaign.

Prosecutors said Stone had "many, many" emails from Assange and regularly updated the highest ranks of the Trump campaign, including Bannon, on information from WikiLeaks.

If convicted, Stone faces a possible decades-long sentence.



