Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed his thoughts following former President Donald Trump's indictment related to the alleged challenge of the 2020 election results. Pence noted that Trump was surrounded by what he referred to as "crackpot lawyers" who simply told him what he wanted to hear. Pence, who is now competing against Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, spoke with reporters at the Indiana State Fair, expressing his hope that Trump would not face indictment.
Pence reiterated his long-held stance, emphasizing that as vice president, he did not possess the authority to reject the election while presiding over the Electoral College certification in Congress, contrary to the claims made by Trump and some of his supporters. The indictment primarily focuses on Trump's alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where he presided as the certification was underway.
During a statement, Pence recalled the first time he heard suggestions in early December about his capacity to decide which votes to accept or reject, quickly recognizing the falsehood behind such claims. He lamented the fact that Trump had been influenced by a group of misguided attorneys who fed him the information that he desired.
As for Trump himself, he was indicted on Tuesday, facing four federal charges. The indictment also mentioned six unnamed co-conspirators, including four individuals identified as attorneys.
In response to the charges against Trump, Pence tweeted shortly after, emphasizing the importance of the indictment as a reminder that anyone who prioritized their own interests above the Constitution should never hold the office of the President of the United States.
Adding more context, it is worth noting that in 2019, Bishop, who narrowly won a special election, joined Congress. Reports suggest that upon leaving Congress, Bishop intends to pursue a career in law and plans to support Republican attorneys general in their endeavors to counter what they perceive as overreach by the federal government. Additionally, Bishop is currently running for the seat that will be vacated by Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat who is competing for the governorship in 2024.
During a radio interview, Bishop mentioned his original intentions upon joining Congress, which was to represent and fight on behalf of his constituents. He now sees his decision to focus on a career in law as another platform to continue his fight, albeit on a different stage.