Appeals court dismisses Trump’s attempt to block Pence from testifying in Jan. 6 investigation
U.S. President Donald Trump listens as Vice President Mike Pence answers questions during the coronavirus task force’s daily briefing in the Rose Garden of the White House on April 27, 2020 in Washington, DC.
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A federal appeals court on Wednesday dismissed Donald Trumpefforts to prevent former Vice President Mike Pence from testifying before a federal grand jury investigating the former president’s role in the January 6 riots and efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
US Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington refused to block Pence’s subpoena after Trump file an appeal this month to block a lower court decision order Pence to testify. Trump’s court filings come out days later a Pence adviser said the former vice president would not appeal an order for his testimony.
Trump can still appeal to the Supreme Court but has not said whether he will appeal. A spokesman for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night.
Pence’s subpoena was issued by special counsel Jack Smith, who was appointed in November by Attorney General Merrick Garland to oversee Justice Department investigations into Trump’s role on January 6. and accused him of mishandling classified documents after leaving office.
Pence initially vowed to fight his subpoena, arguing that the “speak or argue” clause in the Constitution grants him immunity from testifying. A federal judge disagreed and give an order asked Pence to testify.
Other subpoena from Smith were sent to top county elections officials in key swing states about any and all communications related to Trump’s campaign, as well as 19 aides and allies assigned to them. allegedly played a role in Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election.
In March, a federal judge ruled that Trump’s former chief of staff grassland mark and other assistants, including Dan Scavino And Stephen Millermust testify.
