In a revelation set to stir the political discourse, a book by Jonathan Karl titled "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America," discloses the contents of handwritten notes by Mike Pence. These notes detail a conversation between Pence and President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021, just before the Capitol events unfolded.
The book, acting as a window into the administration's internal dynamics, shows President Trump's last-ditch effort to dissuade Pence from certifying the 2020 Presidential Election results. According to Pence's account, President Trump labeled him a "wimp" for not overturning the election results, suggesting regret for choosing him as Vice President five years prior.
This exchange occurred approximately one hour before President Trump's speech at the Save America rally. Later at the rally, the President emphasized the importance of a peaceful demonstration, stating, "I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard." He questioned the Republican party's resolve in upholding election integrity.
Pence's notes, now public, illustrate Trump expressing disappointment with the Vice President's advisors and accusing Pence of failing to protect the country. In retort, Pence referenced their shared constitutional responsibilities, asserting that upholding the law required courage, not breaking it.
The Daily Mail reported that Pence had previously referenced this conversation in his own memoir, "So Help Me God," timing the call at around 11 am, just before Trump addressed his supporters. The House January 6 committee also corroborated the account of Trump's "wimp" comment in 2022 through testimony from a White House official.
President Trump, while denying the use of the word "wimp" at a religious conservative gathering, expressed his disappointment in Pence's actions, likening him to others he considered weak for not taking a stand against the election results. He maintained that Pence had no choice but to certify the election results, even if he believed them to be fraudulent.
Special Counsel Jack Smith had intended to use Pence's notes as evidence in his cases against Trump, which were aimed at proving the President misled supporters in an attempt to overturn the election. However, following President Trump's victory in the 2024 election, these cases were dismissed.
Despite these developments, President Trump has consistently claimed that the 2020 election was unfairly biased against him, rallying thousands at the Save America event to support his cause. His speech at the Ellipse, where he urged his followers to "fight like hell," preceded the entrance of hundreds into the Capitol building.
