A newly released transcript shows former President Donald Trump warning then-Vice President Mike Pence that certifying the 2020 election results could be detrimental to his political future, amidst internal Republican discord on abortion rights and the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol attack.
In recent developments, a transcript released by House Republicans unveiled a conversation between former President Donald Trump and then-Vice President Mike Pence prior to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. In this conversation, Trump reportedly warned Pence that certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election could end Pence’s political career, characterizing it as a “career killer.” The testimony of a White House valet, who was present during the call, illuminated Trump’s efforts to pressure Pence amidst the turmoil of the Capitol attack and Trump’s apparent indifference to the violence that occurred that day, including the shooting of Ashli Babbitt.
This transcript, coupled with Trump’s public criticism of Pence for lacking the courage to overturn the election results, highlighted the strain in their relationship and the internal conflicts within the administration as the Capitol siege unfolded. Pence, in his memoir “So Help Me God,” acknowledged the pressure from Trump but focused on his constitutional duties during the chaos.
In another matter adding to the internal discord among Republicans, Trump’s recent suggestion of a 15-week national abortion ban has sparked unease within the party. With the GOP facing challenges in forming a unified stance on reproductive rights, some Republican senators, including Tommy Tuberville and Chuck Grassley, have shown hesitancy in addressing Trump’s abortion comments, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue within the party.
These events underline the ongoing controversies surrounding Trump and the internal dynamics of the Republican Party in the aftermath of the January 6 riot and amid evolving debates on key issues such as abortion rights.