Federal judge orders Mike Pence to testify in probe into Trump’s 2020 campaign efforts

Former Vice President Mike Pence is required to testify in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into efforts to overthrow former President Donald Trump in 2020, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

Federal Judge James E. Boasberg, Chief Justice of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, delivered his verdict Tuesday in Washington.

Pence had resisted a subpoena to testify. His lawyers invoked the constitution’s “speech or debate” clause, citing his ceremonial role as Senate vice president.

Trump publicly and privately called on Pence to refuse to accept state-certified votes when Congress met to count the electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021.

Pence will be campaigning in Iowa on Wednesday as he considers running for the White House. Trump, attempting to return to the White House, wrote that Pence lacked “courage” on Jan. 6.

Pence criticized his boss at an elegant dinner in DC last month.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is required to testify in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into efforts to overthrow former President Donald Trump in 2020, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

The judge, who recently succeeded Judge Beryl Howell as chief justice, added some nuance to the ruling, NBC News reported, and gave Pence limited protection because of his legislative role. (Legislators also often invoke it to protect their official duties and statements).