Former Vice President Mike Pence has been ordered by a federal judge to comply with a grand jury subpoena and testify in the investigation into Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump had argued executive privilege, but the judge's ruling shut down this argument. Pence was partially successful in his argument that he was shielded from testifying about Jan. 6 due to his constitutional role as part of the legislative branch. This ruling could have implications for other members of the Trump administration who may be called to testify in the investigation.
Posts tagged as “Mike Pence”
A federal judge has ruled that former Vice President Mike Pence must testify before a grand jury in the Justice Department's investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Pence will not have to answer questions about his actions on Jan. 6, when a mob of Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol, but he will have to testify about other matters. The subpoena for Pence's testimony was issued by special counsel Jack Smith in February, but it is unclear when he will be required to testify.
Mike Pence has downplayed potential protests this week, encouraged by former President Donald Trump, saying that the American people have the constitutional right to peaceably assemble. He condemned the violence that occurred at the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021, and believes any prosecutorial actions against Trump would be politically charged. Pence also noted that the country should focus on healing and moving forward, rather than dwelling on the past.
Mike Pence defended a joke he made about Pete Buttigieg at the Gridiron Dinner, claiming that Buttigieg "can't take a joke". The White House had called the joke "homophobic", but Pence shrugged off the criticism, noting that the dinner is a roast. His remarks have been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding his sense of humor and others criticizing him.
The White House has called for former Vice President Mike Pence to apologize for a joke he made about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's parental leave at the annual Gridiron Club dinner. The joke has been deemed offensive and inappropriate, as it treated women suffering from postpartum depression as a punchline. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, has stated that Pence should apologize to women and LGBTQ people for the joke.
Mike Pence's joke about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the Gridiron Club dinner on Saturday has been met with criticism from the White House, who called for an apology. Chasten Buttigieg, the Secretary's husband, also tweeted in response to the joke. The Biden administration has made it a priority to combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, and has taken steps to ensure all federal employees have access to paid parental leave.
Mike Pence has publicly criticized Donald Trump for his role in the Capitol riot, marking a significant shift in their relationship. Pence stated that Trump's "reckless words endangered" his family and those at the Capitol, and that "history will hold Donald Trump accountable". He also denied having the power to overturn the election results.
At the Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington, DC, former Vice President Mike Pence delivered a speech that was both lighthearted and serious, including jokes about President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as a rebuke of former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th attack. Pence's comments come as the Republican party is divided over Trump's legacy and whether to embrace him or reject him in the future, and it remains to be seen whether his words will have any effect.