Pence’s Jan 6 Notes Detail Trump’s ‘Wimp’ Taunt

A new political book has unveiled previously undisclosed details from a heated phone conversation between then-President Donald Trump and his Vice President, Mike Pence, on January 6, 2021. As a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, driven by false claims of a stolen election, the former president reportedly told Pence he would be remembered as a “wimp” if he proceeded with the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.

These revelations come from “Retribution,” an upcoming book by ABC News political correspondent Jonathan Karl. A preview excerpt published by ABC News on Sunday cites notes taken by Pence during the pivotal call. The book indicates that Trump, seemingly intent on shaming his second-in-command, pressured Pence to reject Joe Biden’s victory, which had been affirmed weeks prior.

The Tense January 6th Phone Call

According to the excerpt, Trump’s words to Pence were stark: “If you do that, I made a big mistake five years ago,” referencing his decision to select Pence as his running mate for the 2016 election. He then added the stinging admonition: “You’ll go down as a wimp.” The former president also reportedly accused Pence of listening to “the wrong people,” as the nation watched the Capitol under siege.

Despite the immense pressure, Pence’s notes, as cited in “Retribution,” reflect his unwavering commitment to his constitutional duties. He reportedly reminded Trump that both men had taken “an oath to support + defend the constitution.” In a moment of profound defiance, Pence’s notes portray him as telling Trump, “It doesn’t take courage to break the law. It takes courage to uphold the law.”

Context of the Capitol Attack

Pence ultimately fulfilled his constitutional obligation, certifying Biden’s victory. His public statements consistently affirmed his belief that he lacked the legal authority to overturn the electoral defeat, a position that put him at direct odds with the president he had served. This stand occurred amidst a relentless campaign by Trump and his allies, who aggressively propagated unsubstantiated claims of widespread electoral fraud designed to rig the 2020 election in Biden’s favor.

The culmination of these efforts saw a violent mob of Trump supporters breach the U.S. Capitol building. Their actions included demands for Pence’s hanging and resulted in a multi-hour delay of the joint congressional session convened to formalize Biden’s win, a critical step in the peaceful transfer of power.

Legal Ramifications and Aftermath

The events of January 6, 2021, and the preceding weeks led to significant legal challenges for the former president. Federal authorities later charged Trump with working to forcibly reverse his defeat in the 2020 election ahead of the Capitol attack, a legal battle that continues to unfold. The revelations from “Retribution” offer a deeper, more intimate glimpse into the high-stakes conversations that transpired during one of the most tumultuous days in recent American history, underscoring the profound constitutional crisis that gripped the nation.

Source: The Guardian