Former Vice President Mike Pence reportedly shared detailed accounts with special counsel Jack Smith’s team about the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 election. Sources familiar with Pence’s testimonies revealed how then-President Donald Trump surrounded himself with questionable attorneys, promoted un-American legal theories, and nearly plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis.
According to these sources, Pence allegedly informed investigators that he had personally informed Trump, prior to the violent events of January 6, 2021, that he had not observed substantial evidence of widespread election fraud. However, Trump remained unmoved, persisting in his claims of a “stolen” election and exhibiting reckless behavior on that fateful day.
Pence, as the highest-ranking current or former government official to speak with the special counsel team, provided valuable insights into the investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. These exclusive details, shared with ABC News, shed further light on the evidence amassed by Smith’s team as they seek to prosecute Trump for allegedly unlawfully attempting to “remain in power” and undermining public trust in democratic institutions.
Pence’s narrative to investigators reportedly echoed many of his public statements, often referencing his book published last year. The special counsel’s line of questioning focused on having Pence confirm, under oath, various post-election accounts and opinions expressed in his book.
Moreover, during closed-door discussions, Pence disclosed undisclosed anecdotes and intricate revelations that highlighted the deterioration of his longstanding friendship with Trump in the final weeks of their tenure in the White House.
Pence allegedly reiterated his repeated warnings to Trump regarding the president’s relentless pursuit to overturn the election results.
Sources also revealed that Smith’s investigators probed Pence about personal notes he had taken following meetings with Trump and other key figures, which were obtained from the National Archives.