Mike Pence's Son Reminded Me to Protect the Election from Trump's Interference, says Pence | Vanity Fair

Written by Eric Lutz

The potential for a worse constitutional crisis than the January 6 riot might have been a reality if not for the intervention of former Vice President Mike Pence's Marine son. This is insinuated by Pence in his interactions with Jack Smith, special counsel on prosecuting federal election interference against Donald Trump.

As per ABC News, Pence informed investigators that he contemplated complying with Trump's demands to appoint someone else to oversee the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 victory. In his notes he disclosed fears that fulfilling his constitutional duty would cause distress to his "friend". This hesitation was hindered by his Marine son, who reminded him of his sworn duty during a vacation in Colorado.

Pence reportedly reminded prosecutors of the pledge: "An oath to support and defend the Constitution".

As a result of this, Pence made the decision to oversee the count, leading Trump, his "friend", to incite an armed mob to interrupt the certification process, with many chanting "Hang Mike Pence!"

ABC News reported certain information that Pence divulged to prosecutors, which had previously been detailed in Pence’s book, ‘So Help Me God’, and by the January 6 committee. This included additional insights into Trump’s endeavor to overturn the 2020 election result.

In his manuscript, Pence admitted telling Trump on Christmas 2020 that he lacked the authority to change the election outcome. During the prosecution's follow-up about the clause, he clarified he meant to write, "You know I don’t think I have the authority to change the outcome"— indicating Pence had already deduced he could not dismiss electors, as Trump desired.

Pence, in a meeting, reportedly told Trump to accept the results, and "take a bow".

Despite this, Trump pursued the claim that the election was manipulated, enlisting lawyers like Rudy Giuliani who, Pence is reported to have told prosecutors, "did a great disservice to the president and a great disservice to the country".

Pence exhibited naivety in regards to Trump’s capabilities, suggesting he could have considered Trump’s unwarranted claims of election fraud as plausible. He reportedly instructed House Republicans in late December 2020 to gather their evidence and prepare for their day in Congress, shortly before January 6.

Pence distanced himself from Trump, who accused him in a Monday court document of betraying him to prosecutors in an attempt to gain favor and evade potential charges over the administration of classified materials. A Trump spokesperson expressed, "Tens of Americans, including Vice President Pence…have had grave and serious concerns about the election". Pence’s interactions with prosecutors shed light on his compliance in the series of events leading up to the fateful January 6. Allegedly, Pence professed his loyalty to Trump as second only to his commitment to God and the Constitution.

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