Trump Pressured Pence to Reject 2020 Election Certification

On January 6, 2021, then-President Donald Trump attempted to pressure Mike Pence into blocking the certification of the 2020 election results, which declared Joe Biden the winner. In a conversation shortly before the electoral vote count, Trump reportedly warned Pence he would “go down as a wimp” if he did not take action against the certification process. These details emerged from a preview of Johnathan Karl’s upcoming book, which includes insights from Pence’s notes regarding the call.

During the exchange, Trump expressed a sense of urgency, asserting that Pence was “not protecting our country.” Pence’s response emphasized his commitment to the Constitution, stating, “It doesn’t take courage to break the law. It takes courage to uphold the law.” This exchange highlights the high-stakes environment leading up to the certification ceremony, which ultimately took place amidst a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Details of the Conversation Unveiled

Following the tense call, Trump publicly criticized Pence during a speech to supporters at the Ellipse. The former president’s remarks were reportedly altered shortly before he took the stage, according to findings by former Special Counsel Jack Smith. Smith’s investigation included analysis of a forensic copy of Trump’s phone, revealing last-minute changes to his prepared comments.

Testimony before the House Select Committee investigating the events of January 6 confirmed the severity of the conversation. Witnesses, including Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, described the discussion as “heated.” Trump aide Nicholas Luna corroborated Pence’s account, recalling the use of the word “wimp” during the call. “I remember hearing the word wimp, either he called him a wimp, I don’t remember if he said ‘you are a wimp, you’ll be a wimp,’ wimp is the word I remember,” Luna stated in 2022.

The pressure exerted by Trump on Pence has become a focal point in discussions about the former president’s actions leading up to the Capitol riots. Pence’s steadfast adherence to his constitutional duties ultimately enabled the certification of Biden’s victory, despite the unprecedented challenges he faced from Trump and his supporters.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these revelations remain significant. The pressure Trump placed on Pence raises questions about the integrity of electoral processes and the responsibilities of elected officials during times of crisis. The aftermath of January 6 has prompted ongoing debates regarding accountability and the safeguarding of democracy in the United States.