Former Vice President Mike Pence testified for more than five hours on Thursday before a federal grand jury investigating the aftermath of the 2020 election and the actions of then-President Donald Trump and others, marking a historic moment in American politics.
In a groundbreaking event, former Vice President Mike Pence appeared before a federal grand jury to provide testimony on the circumstances surrounding the 2020 election and the subsequent January 6 insurrection. This marks the first time in modern history that a vice president has been compelled to testify about the president they served under.
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The grand jury, convened in Washington, DC, is part of an ongoing investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith. The probe focuses on former President Donald Trump’s efforts to block the certification of the 2020 election results. Pence’s testimony is expected to provide crucial insight into his direct conversations with Trump leading up to the attack on the Capitol.
While Pence publicly spoke about his refusal to do Trump’s bidding on January 6 and his decision to follow what he believed the Constitution required, he had previously avoided talking under oath as part of any investigation. His testimony will likely elicit a strong negative reaction from his former boss, as Pence is currently exploring a potential challenge to Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
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The grand jury proceedings are secret, but sources familiar with the matter confirmed Pence’s appearance on Thursday. Security was heightened inside the courthouse as two SUVs with tinted windows were seen transporting people to the building.
Trump’s conversations with Pence leading up to the Capitol riot have particularly interested investigators. While Pence declined to testify before the House select committee that investigated the insurrection, individuals within Trump’s circle have provided some details about their interactions during that time. In his memoir, Pence revealed that Trump had told him he would inspire the hatred of hundreds of thousands of people because he was “too honest” to attempt to overturn the election results.
Pence’s testimony is part of a larger court battle surrounding the investigation into Trump’s actions. Jack Smith’s office and a spokesman for Pence both declined to comment on Thursday. However, the information provided by Pence during this historic appearance will undoubtedly play a significant role in the ongoing investigation into the events leading up to the January 6 insurrection.
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