Then-President Donald Trump shakes then-Vice President Mike Pence’s hand after a 2019 rally.
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The DOJ is looking to question Pence in their criminal probe of Trump’s efforts to stay in office, per the NYT.
Pence is reportedly mulling the request, seeing it as different than the Jan. 6 panel.
Trump has already launched a 2024 presidential campaign, while Pence is weighing a bid of his own.
The Justice Department is looking to question former Vice President Mike Pence as part of its criminal probe into former President Donald Trump’s efforts to remain in office after his 2020 election loss to now-President Joe Biden, according to two individuals with knowledge of the situation who spoke with The New York Times.
Pence — who would be questioned as a witness — is weighing the request, per The Times. The former vice president views the Justice Department’s criminal probe as separate from the House January 6 committee, which also sought to speak with him. He declined to testify before the panel.
A major complication could arise if Trump seeks to point to executive privilege to prevent and curtail Pence’s testimony to the DOJ, an action that he has taken in the past with several former administration officials.
Pence — who certified the results of the 2020 presidential election despite Trump’s entreaties to overturn Biden’s victory — was near the former president during crucial junctures during the last few weeks of the administration when the ex-commander-in-chief sought to remain in power.
The former vice president cooperating in the investigation would be a remarkable development, as Trump has already announced a 2024 presidential campaign and Pence is considering a campaign of his own.
This article will be updated.