A newly released transcript reveals that on January 6, 2021, then-President Donald Trump issued a warning to his vice president, Mike Pence, suggesting that certifying the election results would be detrimental to his career. According to a White House valet, President Trump urged Pence to “do the right thing” during the joint session of Congress, implying that he should rule against certain electoral votes.
Despite President Trump’s pressure, Vice President Pence ultimately declared that his oath to uphold the Constitution prevented him from unilaterally deciding which electoral votes to count.
President Trump expressed his disappointment on Twitter, accusing Pence of lacking the courage to protect the country and the Constitution.
During a phone call earlier that day, witnesses testified that President Trump referred to Vice President Pence in derogatory terms. Ivanka Trump reportedly tried to calm her father down after the call.
“This first-hand account of President Trump’s actions while at the White House on January 6 provides the American people with important, relevant information about the events of that day. I care about getting the truth out there, instead of only releasing parts that support a partisan narrative like the select committee did,” Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), chairman of the subcommittee, said in a statement. “My goal is complete transparency so Americans can decide the truth about January 6 for themselves.”
While transcripts of some related testimonies were made public by the House committee investigating January 6, others, including the valet’s, were not released until later. The House Administration Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight eventually disclosed the valet’s transcript for transparency.
The valet recalled President Trump’s frustration after the call with Pence, noting a change in his mood.
President Trump expressed interest in checking on Vice President Pence’s well-being after the Capitol breach but couldn’t recall if such a call was made. He also considered contacting General Mark Milley and Speaker Nancy Pelosi regarding the National Guard, although it’s uncertain if those calls were placed.
