Pence Denies: Former Vice President Mike Pence recently addressed allegations of pressure from former President Donald Trump regarding the 2020 election in an interview on “Face the Nation.” Pence firmly denied any pressure being exerted on him to contact state governors, including former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, after the election. This article delves into Pence’s response and sheds light on the reported attempts to overturn the election results.
Trump’s Alleged Pressure on Ducey to Overturn Election Results
According to The Washington Post, Trump allegedly made efforts to pressure fellow Republican Governor Doug Ducey to overturn the election results in Arizona, which President Biden won by a margin of over 10,000 votes. The Post also reported that Trump urged Pence to call Ducey and encourage him to find evidence of voter fraud in Arizona.
Pence Denies Calls to Ducey and Other Governors for Updates
Pence confirmed during the interview that he did contact Ducey and other governors following the 2020 election to discuss the election results. However, he emphasized that these calls were not made under any form of pressure. Pence explained that his intention was to gather information and receive updates from governors who were engaged in the legal process of reviewing their election results. He saw it as part of his role to stay informed during that period.
Pence Denies Explanation: No Pressure, Just Information Gathering
Pence vehemently denied experiencing any pressure from Trump to change the election results in Arizona or to exert influence over any state governor. He emphasized that his calls were solely intended for information gathering purposes and to remain updated on the ongoing legal processes. Pence stated that he simply passed along the information he received to the president and nothing more.
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Lack of Memory Regarding Pressure from Trump
When asked directly if he had been pressured by Trump to push Ducey or any other state governor to change the election results, Pence firmly responded, “No, I don’t remember any pressure.” He acknowledged that tensions between him and Trump escalated towards the end of their time in office. However, Pence maintained that during the months of November and December 2020, the process was conducted in an orderly manner, with multiple lawsuits underway and states conducting appropriate reviews.
Pence Denies Fulfillment of Constitutional Duty on January 6, 2021
Pence addressed his constitutional duty on January 6, 2021, when he presided over a joint session of Congress following the events of the Capitol riot. He emphasized that he fulfilled his duty under the Constitution, underscoring the importance of upholding democracy even in challenging times. This statement further reinforced his commitment to the lawful process and the separation of powers.
Pence Denies Testimony and Subpoena Resistance
Pence’s involvement in the aftermath of the 2020 election extended to testifying for over seven hours before a federal grand jury. The testimony was part of the investigation into Trump’s attempts to overturn the election results. Despite Pence’s attempt to resist the subpoena by claiming protection under the “speech or debate clause” of the Constitution, a three-judge panel ruled that he must provide testimony. This highlights the significance of the investigation and the determination to uncover the truth.
Special Counsel Investigation into Trump’s Election Interference
The investigation into Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results is being led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. The focus of this investigation goes beyond Pence’s testimony. It aims to shed light on the extent of Trump’s actions and their potential implications. The investigation is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of the democratic process and holding accountable those involved in any wrongdoing.
Federal Investigation into Trump’s Handling of Classified Documents
In addition to the election interference investigation, a federal grand jury in Miami indicted Trump on 37 counts related to the sensitive documents recovered at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago. This separate investigation further underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the legal process will determine the outcome.
Conclusion of Pence Denies
Mike Pence interview on “Face the Nation” provided valuable insight into his denial of any pressure from Trump to contact state governors following the 2020 election. Pence maintained that his calls to governors were solely for the purpose of gathering information and were not attempts to alter election results. The ongoing investigations into Trump’s election interference and handling of classified documents highlight the importance of upholding democratic processes and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing. The outcomes of these investigations will play a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of the events surrounding the 2020 election.
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