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Trump's Pressure on Pence Revealed in Key Notes

10/26/2025

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On January 6, 2021, U.S. President Donald Trump pressured Vice President Mike Pence, warning he'd go down as a wimp if he certified Biden's victory.
Pence's notes from the call appear in Jonathan Karl's book, Retribution.
Special Counsel Jack Smith says the notes are crucial evidence in his investigation into Trump actions before the Capitol riot.
Smith's report highlighted Trump's attempts to manipulate Pence and changes to speech targeting Pence.

History

Historical Context

The January 6, 2021, Capitol Riot stemmed from President Donald Trump's false claims about the 2020 election, echoing past political crises like the Watergate scandal in 1972. The attack disrupted Congress's certification of Joe Biden's victory, resulting in five deaths and over 1,000 arrests. Ongoing investigations highlight the implications for U.S. governance and electoral integrity, marking a pivotal moment in American democracy.

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Story summary

On January 6, 2021, U.S. President Donald Trump pressured Vice President Mike Pence, warning he'd go down as a wimp if he certified Biden's victory.
Pence's notes from the call appear in Jonathan Karl's book, Retribution.
Special Counsel Jack Smith says the notes are crucial evidence in his investigation into Trump actions before the Capitol riot.
Smith's report highlighted Trump's attempts to manipulate Pence and changes to speech targeting Pence.

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