Pence says Trump chided him for being ‘too honest’ when he insisted he couldn’t overturn the 2020 election results on January 6

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Mike Pence wrote in his forthcoming memoir that President Donald Trump chided him for his honesty as Pence refused to attempt to overturn the 2020 election results on January 6, 2021.

In an excerpt published in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday — the day after a midterm election in which Republicans, particularly those most aligned with Trump, significantly underperformed expectations — Pence detailed his mindset as he faced pressure from Trump.

Pence wrote about several instances in which he differed with Trump in the period between the 2020 presidential election and into January 2021. He noted that he supported the former president’s legal challenges, even saying he welcomed Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri’s plans to co-sponsor election objections.

“Without a senator’s support, I would have been required to dismiss House objections without debate, something I didn’t want to do,” wrote Pence.”

The former vice president then detailed an interaction with Trump on New Year’s Day spurred by a lawsuit filed by Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas that sought a declaration from a federal judge that Pence had the authority to decide which electoral votes count — a departure from the ceremonial role that Pence thought he should play.

“I don’t want to see ‘Pence Opposes Gohmert Suit’ as a headline this morning,” Trump told him that day, according to Pence.

Pence then informed Trump that he opposed the lawsuit, prompting anger. “If it gives you the power,” he says Trump asked him, “why would you oppose it?”

When Pence said he didn’t believe the Constitution granted him that authority, he says Trump chided him again.

“You’re too honest,” said Trump. “Hundreds of thousands are gonna hate your guts … people are gonna think you’re stupid.”

The disagreement between the two men persisted up to and including the day of the electoral count, when supporters of the former president stormed the Capitol, some of them chanting “Hang Mike Pence.” 

The former vice president is now teasing a presidential bid of his own, despite the widespread expectation that Trump will seek the GOP nomination once more. Pence’s memoir, “So Help Me God,” is set to publish on Tuesday, November 15 — the same day that Trump has said he’ll be making a “very big announcement,” presumably the announcement of a 2024 presidential campaign.