Sources familiar with the matter confirm that former President Donald Trump's lawyers are appealing an order for former Vice President Mike Pence to testify before the special counsel investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The appeal was filed Monday in the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit.
Trump has argued that he should be covered by the Constitution's Speech or Debate Clause, which shields lawmakers from certain law enforcement actions connected to their legislative duties. However, legal experts believe that chances of success in this regard appear slim.
Pence could still decline to answer questions related to January 6, 2021 when he was serving as president of Senate during certification process at US Capitol building.
Former legal advisor for Pence stated: "The former vice president will not appeal an order by Judge James Boasberg, chief judge of U.S. District Court for the District Of Columbia, requiring him (Pence) to testify in special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Trump.”
This development comes after a New York grand jury indicted Trump on charges relating hush money payments made during his presidential campaign involving porn star Stormy Daniels. He was formally charged and arraigned last week in Manhattan.
The ongoing investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith focuses on both Trump's attempts to overturn results from 2020 presidential election and his refusal return top-secret government documents despite receiving a subpoena regarding them.
As this is a developing story please check back later updates