Inside Trump’s Pressure Campaign: How He Tried to Coerce Pence to Overturn the 2020 Election

Days before rioters roamed the halls of the U.S. Capitol threatening to “hang Mike Pence,” former President Donald Trump warned his vice president that people would “hate your guts” and “think you’re stupid” if he failed to stop the certification of the 2020 election results. This warning, delivered on New Year’s Day, was not the first instance of Trump pressuring Pence to overturn the election results, nor would it be the last. This effort, referred to as “Operation Pence Card,” involved weeks of Trump’s public and private attempts to persuade his vice president to help him maintain power after his election loss.

During a tense phone call on January 1, Trump berated Pence, saying, “You’re too honest.” Following the call, Trump tweeted a reminder for his followers to come to Washington for the “BIG Protest Rally,” which would culminate in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol.

Details of the exchanges between Trump and Pence, as revealed in a recent court filing, illustrate the extraordinary lengths Trump was willing to go to overturn the election results. Even as he lays the groundwork to challenge the upcoming election, if he loses, Pence has distanced himself from Trump, refusing to endorse the former president’s bid for a return to the White House.

During a recent debate, Pence’s successor, JD Vance, was evasive when questioned about his acceptance of the 2020 election results. This prompted a sharp retort from his opponent, Tim Walz, who stated, “That’s why Mike Pence isn’t on this stage.” This exchange highlights the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party regarding the acceptance of election results.

Much of the court filing recounts the tumultuous months following the November election, when Trump, surrounded by a cadre of loyalists, directed his team to fight to keep him in office. Trump, who has been indicted on criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the election, has labeled the filing “election interference” and has sought to have the case dismissed.

During a phone call on November 4, Pence recalled that Trump’s campaign was determined to challenge the election results. As Biden was projected to be the winner, Pence attempted to encourage Trump to reflect on his accomplishments, saying, “You took a dying party and gave it a new lease on life.” However, as the days progressed, Pence noted that the campaign team was providing a “sober and somewhat pessimistic report” regarding the election challenges.

By early December, Trump was contemplating Congress’s role in the election certification. This marked the beginning of a public and private campaign to pressure Pence, which would eventually raise concerns for Pence’s safety. Trump and his team, led by Rudy Giuliani, devised a new strategy after their legal challenges failed, focusing on seven states Trump had lost and proposing the creation of alternate slates of electors.

As January 6 approached, Trump’s desperation grew. He attempted to persuade Pence to reject electoral votes, falsely claiming that Pence had the authority to do so. Trump’s team misled Pence about the existence of substantial campaign fraud and the legal authority he had during the certification process.

During a private lunch on December 21, Pence again encouraged Trump to view the election loss as “just an intermission.” However, Trump’s pressure on Pence intensified, culminating in a New Year’s Day phone call during which Trump expressed his belief that Pence had the power to decertify the election results. Pence, however, maintained his stance, saying, “You know I don’t think I have the authority to change the outcome.”

As the insurrection unfolded on January 6, Trump’s public pressure on Pence culminated in a call to his vice president, which left Pence feeling threatened. Trump’s remarks targeting Pence during his rally and the subsequent rallying of his supporters to the Capitol highlighted the dangerous intersection of political rhetoric and mob mentality.

Implications and Future Trends

The events surrounding the 2020 election and the subsequent insurrection at the Capitol have profound implications for the political landscape in the United States. As political divisions deepen, the challenges of election integrity and the acceptance of electoral outcomes have emerged as critical issues. The ongoing debate within the Republican Party about the legitimacy of the 2020 election results signals a potential shift in party dynamics, as candidates who align with Trump’s narrative of election fraud may gain traction at the expense of traditional Republican values.

As the 2024 election approaches, it is likely that the themes of election integrity and the role of political rhetoric in shaping public opinion will dominate the discourse. The potential for increased polarization is evident, as candidates may be compelled to take more extreme positions to align with their base. This trend may lead to a further erosion of trust in electoral processes and institutions.

Moreover, the legal ramifications of Trump’s actions and the ongoing investigations may have a lasting impact on the political landscape. As more candidates face scrutiny for their actions surrounding the election, the potential for criminal charges and legal challenges may deter some from pursuing political office, while emboldening others who view the legal battles as a badge of honor.

In this evolving landscape, it is crucial for political leaders and institutions to prioritize transparency and integrity in the electoral process. As public trust in elections wanes, proactive measures to ensure election security and public engagement will be essential in restoring faith in democratic processes.

As the political climate continues to shift, it is imperative for stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges that lie ahead. The intersection of political rhetoric, public opinion, and legal accountability will shape the future of American democracy, and the choices made by leaders today will have lasting implications for generations to come.