(RepublicanDaily.org) – In light of former vice president Mike Pence’s statements on former president Donald Trump’s third indictment, the latter has stepped up his attacks on his old running mate – actions that some see as a possible case of witness intimidation.
Pence has been coy about the possibility of testifying – either for the defense or the prosecution – in the indictment trial, he told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that he had “no plans” to testify, but said he would respond to the “call of the law” and “just tell the truth.” He also said in the interview that “President Trump was wrong. He was wrong then. He’s wrong now,” alluding to the former president’s actions.
In response, Trump dubbed his former ally with the nickname “Liddle’ Mike Pence” and said that his former second had turned to the “Dark Side.” He also belittled Pence’s claims that the latter was simply following the Constitution, an accusation Trump’s followers have also adopted. Pence has been jeered by pro-Trump crowds during on his campaign trail – the former Vice President is also looking to secure the Republican presidential nomination – who have called him a “traitor” and “sellout”. One heckler in New Hampshire shouted, “Why didn’t you uphold the constitution?” Pence responded, “I upheld the constitution. Read it.”
Despite his “no plans” statement, many expect that the former vice president will be called to take the stand during the trial. Political analysts and attorneys have questioned whether Trump’s attacks on Pence would constitute witness intimidation. At the very least, the former President should avoid making any “incendiary comments” that concern any potential witness, especially statements that directly touch on matters “related to the third indictment,” lawyer, political strategist Aaron Parnas told Newsweek. Michael Steele, former chair of the Republican National Committee and former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland tweeted, “Trump continues in witness intimidation,” and called on a judge to “shut this ish (sic) down. Now.”
Trump’s continued tirades – not just on Pence – on self-owned social media platform Truth Social are also the subject of a protective order federal prosecutors want to enforce, as there are concerns not only on possible witness intimidation, but also the possibility that the former President may disclose sensitive information about the case to the public. Trump’s camp has countered that such an order is a violation of the former chief executive’s right to free speech under the First Amendment.
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