Topline
Former Vice President Mike Pence received a subpoena from the special counsel investigating former President Donald Trump, according to several reportsin an apparent major escalation of the investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-President Donald Trump listen during a meeting in the … [+]
Highlights
Pence’s subpoena is tied to the Jan. 6 investigation, according to CNN, though the documents requested by special counsel Jack Smith are unclear.
The subpoena comes after months of negotiations between Pence and federal prosecutors, ABC News reported, citing multiple sources familiar with the talks.
The Justice Department and a Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbeswhile Pence could not be reached for comment.
Key Context
Pence was one of the central figures in the House last year January 6 committee hearingswhich portrays him as the main force thwarting Trump’s plans to overturn the 2020 election results. Pence has repeatedly repeated Trump’s actions on January 6 was wrong, calling her criticism of him that day “reckless” and saying she “endangered” his family, even as he tried to distance himself from inquiries into the matter. In June he called the January 6 committee’s investigation — which was separate from that of the Justice Department — a Democratic attempt to “divert attention” from what it called President Joe Biden’s “failed agenda,” and in November, he said he would not testify in front of the panel. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed the special adviser November 18, three days after Trump’s announcement his 2024 presidential campaign.
To monitor
Pence has strongly indicated that he plans to run against Trump in 2024, which could make the Jan. 6 attack a key issue in the Republican primary race. Polls show Pence faces an uphill battle if he hopes to win the GOP nomination. Pence has the support of only 7% of Republican primary voters in recent RealClearPolicies poll average – well behind Trump (46%) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (31%), who is also expected to run.
Further reading
Mike Pence says he won’t testify until January 6 committee in new interview (Forbes)
Attorney General Garland appoints special counsel to determine if Trump faces charges (Forbes)
Trump launches 2024 presidential bid (Forbes)