A federal appeals panel on Wednesday rejected an effort from former President Donald Trump to prevent former Vice President Mike Pence from testifying before the special counsel investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The order, issued by a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, clears the way for Pence to testify before special counsel Jack Smith should Trump's legal team not seek any further appeal before the full Circuit or Supreme Court.
Trump had sought to assert executive privilege in an attempt to block Pence's testimony but was met with opposition late last month when Chief Judge James Boasberg of D.C.'s district court rejected his team’s arguments and ordered Pence to testify and provide records to Smith. Following his subpoena in February, Pence has stated that he will not seek further appeal.
The ongoing investigation into efforts made by various parties attempting to overturn results of the 2020 presidential election is set for January 6th. Despite this setback, Trump remains adamant about continuing his pursuits within politics.
On Wednesday night, after losing his final attempt at blocking Mike Pence from testifying about their conversations following the 2020 election – including those related directly around January 6 riot events – it became clear that filing under seal by DC Circuit Court of Appeals necessitated that Mr. Pence must appear before special counsel Jack Smith’s grand jury convened specifically for this case.
Hints towards what might unfold during such testimonies have already emerged through details shared within former Vice President Mike Pence’s book where he revealed being called a “wimp” by then-President Donald Trump due explicitly refusing requests aimed at overturning established electoral results.
In addition to these developments surrounding investigations tied closely both men involved in America’s previous administration; on Tuesday evening Mr.Pence delivered remarks attacking current US leader Joe Biden during Federalist Society's annual Executive Branch Review Conference. This demonstrates that despite legal challenges he faces, Pence is also focused on critiquing the administration currently in power.