Federal Judge Rules Mike Pence Must TESTIMONY In Investigation Of Trump’s 2020 Election Victory
Federal Judge Rules Mike Pence Must TESTIMONY Before Grand Jury Inquires Trump’s 2020 Election Election
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Former Vice President Mike Pence must testify in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into former President Donald Trump’s failed 2020 election, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday.
Federal Judge James E. Boasberg, the chief justice of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, ruled in Washington on Tuesday.
Pence had challenged a subpoena seeking testimony. His lawyers invoked the constitution’s “speak or debate” clause, pointing to his ceremonial role as vice president of the Senate.
Trump publicly and privately demanded that Pence refuse to accept votes certified by states when Congress convened on January 6, 2021, to count the election votes.
Pence will campaign in Iowa on Wednesday as he prepares to run for the White House. Trump, who has announced a campaign to return to the White House, wrote on Jan. 6 that Pence lacked “courage.”
Pence criticized his boss last month at a swanky dinner in DC.
Former Vice President Mike Pence must testify in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into former President Donald Trump’s failed 2020 election, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday.
“His reckless words endangered my family and everyone in the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable,” Pence said at Washington’s annual Gridiron Dinner.
The judge, who recently succeeded Justice Beryl Howell as chief justice, did add some nuance to the ruling, however, NBC news reported, giving Pence limited protection due to his legislative role. (Legislators also often invoke it for protection in connection with their official duties and statements).
Those restrictions would not apply to alleged “illegality” by the former president.
Pence could choose to appeal the ruling.
Several defendants charged on Jan. 6 have been convicted of “incendiary conspiracy” and hundreds have been charged with crimes related to the attack on the Capitol, which occurred as Congress met to count the electoral votes.
The development came Monday as Trump faced legal setbacks on a number of fronts.
A separate grand jury in Manhattan is reportedly set to convene again Wednesday to investigate Trump’s refunded “silence” payments that went to porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with him in 2006. Trump denies the affair and, furious, Manhattan DA attacked Alvin Bragg in online posts and at a rally with supporters over the weekend in Waco, Texas.
It was revealed on Friday that Judge Howell ruled against Trump’s claim of executive privilege and ruled that former White House chief of staff, Meadows and other former aides must testify before the grand jury in a sealed warrant.
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