Pence Accuses Trump’s Legal Team of Being Misguided
Former Vice President Mike Pence spoke out for the first time since former President Donald Trump was indicted, emphasizing that he had no authority to overturn the election results and that only a group of “crackpot lawyers” had misled Trump into thinking otherwise. Pence stated that he followed the law and dismissed the idea that he could reject or accept electoral votes as false. He expressed disappointment that the matter had come to an indictment but reiterated his commitment to upholding the Constitution and the laws of the country.
The indictment against Trump details how both him and his associates propagated the belief that Pence had the power to unilaterally reject or return electoral votes during the Jan. 6 certification, despite Pence repeatedly stating that he did not possess that authority. Pence, who is vying for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination against Trump, previously criticized the former president’s actions on Jan. 6, asserting that they were disqualifying because they placed Trump above the Constitution.
This statement from Pence provides insight into his position and serves as a significant departure from Trump’s claims about overturning the election. Pence’s comments may also signal his intention to distance himself from Trump and his allies as he pursues his own political ambitions.
