Pence Subpoenaed In Trump Special Counsel Probe

Topline

Former Vice President Mike Pence has received a subpoena from the special counsel investigating former President Donald Trump, according to multiple reports, in an apparent major escalation of the probe into the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Key Facts

Pence’s subpoena is related to the January 6 investigation, according to CNN, though it’s not clear what documents special counsel Jack Smith has requested.

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 spokesman for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes, while Pence could not be reached for comment.

Key Background

Pence was one of the central figures of last year’s House January 6 committee hearings, which portrayed him as the main force thwarting Trump’s plans to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Pence has repeatedly said Trump’s actions on January 6 were wrong, calling his criticism of him that day “reckless” and claiming it “endangered” his family, even as he has attempted to distance himself from investigations into the matter. In June, he called the January 6 committee’s probe—which was separate from the Justice Department’s—a Democratic attempt to “distract attention” from what he called President Joe Biden’s “failed agenda,” and in November he said he would not testify before the panel. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed the special counsel on November 18—three days after Trump announced his 2024 presidential campaign.

What To Watch For

Pence has strongly indicated he plans to run against Trump in 2024, which could make the January 6 attack a key issue in the Republican primary race. Polling shows Pence faces an uphill battle if he hopes to take the GOP nomination, though. Pence only has the backing of 7% of Republican primary voters in the latest RealClearPolitics polling average—well behind Trump (46%) and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (31%), who is also expected to run.

Further Reading

Jan. 6 Hearings: Pence Told Trump ‘Many Times’ He Couldn’t Overturn Election Results, Staffer Says (Forbes)

Pence Was ‘Angered’ By Trump’s Jan 6 Comments—Says They Endangered Him And Everyone At The Capitol (Forbes)

Mike Pence Says He Will Not Testify Before Jan. 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)