Donald Trump and Mike Pence were brought together for a long and “uncomfortable” meeting five days after the deadly riot at the Capitol in which the pro-Trump mob chanted “Hang Mike Pence.”
The meeting was said to be “stilted and uncomfortable” and that Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner had arranged the meeting. The meeting was compared to brokering peace in the Middle East.
Trump had pressured Pence both publicly and privately to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
Trump continued the pressure even after Pence made it clear that he did not have the power to overturn the election results.
During the “Stop the Steal” rally Trump told his supporters that Mike Pence could overturn the election and keep him in power. Despite knowing otherwise, Trump continued to publicly urge Pence to overturn the results.
Despite his many attacks on him and his life being placed in grave danger during the January 6 insurrection Pence is reportedly still loyal to Trump.
“Mike Pence, I hope you’re going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country,” Trump told his supporters at the “Stop the Steal” rally.
“And if you’re not, I’m going to be very disappointed in you. I will tell you right now. I’m not hearing good stories,” Trump added.
As the crowd began to storm the Capitol a gallows with a noose had been constructed outside the White House lawn and Trump’s supporters began to chant “Hang Mike Pence.”
“The mob was looking for Mr. Pence because of his patriotism because the vice president had refused to do what the president demanded and overturn the election result,” impeachment prosecutor Stacey Plaskett stated.
Donald Trump knew that Mike Pence was in danger, but made no attempt to contact him to check on his well-being.
However, during the attack, Trump did speak to Alabama senator Tommy Tuberville, who reportedly told him, “Mr. President, they just took the vice president out, I’ve got to go.”
Eleven minutes after learning Pence had been removed from the Capitol building Trump attacked him again.
“Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our country and our Constitution,” Trump tweeted.
Despite Trump’s lack of concern for his safety and attacks on him. Pence has made no attempt to condemn Trump’s actions. In private, Pence is said to not blame Trump, but to blame those around him that he claims fed him misinformation.
Trump has declined the invitation to testify at his impeachment hearing, however, impeachment managers could have called on Pence to testify, but they chose not to call on witnesses.
Pence has kept a very low profile since the insurrection. Other than an appearance at President Joe Biden’s inauguration Pence has not been seen or heard from. There are whispers that he is thinking over his political future and considering a 2024 run for president.
Trump and Pence have reportedly briefly spoken a couple of times since their terms ended. Since leaving office Pence has taken a vacation in the US Virgin Islands and announced that he will be launching a podcast. It is most likely doubtful that Trump and pence will have any contact moving forward especially if Pence makes a run for president in 2024.
