Trump insults and threatens Pence's political career when Pence refuses
Reporting and findings
- documented
In the late-morning call, Trump again claimed Pence could send votes back. Witnesses said Trump called Pence a 'wimp,' said certification would be a 'political career killer,' and used a vulgar insult relayed by Ivanka Trump's chief of staff. Pence again refused. The sequence shows direct personal and career pressure after Trump had been told the requested act lacked legal authority.
- United States Government Publishing Office: Final Report of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States CapitolExecutive Summary pages 35–36: call, witness accounts, threats, insults, and Pence refusal
- TIME: From taunts and lies to an angry mob: Jan. 6 panel details Trump's pressure campaign against PenceJanuary 6 morning call, witness accounts of Trump's insults, and Pence's continued refusal
Summary and current status
Oval Office witnesses described Trump calling Pence weak and warning that certification would be a political career killer.
Pence maintained his refusal
People and organizations
- Donald J. TrumpDonald Trump network root
- Mike PenceTrump vice president and 2020 running mate
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. Trumpvice president and running mateMike Pence