DOJ Seeking Mike Pence's Testimony on Jan. 6 Probe; Former VP Considering Speaking With the Agency
The Department of Justice is looking for former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's testimony regarding the department's Jan. 6 probe, with DOJ prosecutors already reached out to Pence's team.
The DOJ prosecutors are hoping to speak with Pence about what he may have seen as former U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies worked to intervene in the transfer of power to U.S. President Joe Biden.
The DOJ's Jan. 6 probe is separate from the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 investigation. Pence has dubbed the select committee investigation as "partisan."
Last week, the former vice president said that congress has "no right to testimony." He added that it would create a "terrible precedent for the Congress to summon the vice president" of the U.S. to speak about deliberations that occurred at the White House.
One of the lead investigators, Thomas Windom, reached out to Pence's team weeks before DOJ Attorney General Merrick B. Garland appointed a special counsel.
Pence has not yet been subpoenaed and the process could last for months.
Mike Pence's Testimony
Pence was reported to be "actively considering" giving testimony about Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 electoral loss.
The former vice president has rejected similar attempts to get his testimony, but he reportedly sees the DOJ criminal investigation as a "potentially more palatable alternative."
It was earlier reported that the Justice Department has successfully secured answers from top Pence advisers Greg Jacob and Marc Short in significant court victories.
Jacob has been one of the voices condemning the former president's actions after the election, particularly the pressure he and his election attorney, John Eastman, tried to place on Pence to block the certification of Biden's win.
Meanwhile, Rep. Bernie Thompson and Liz Cheney, both heading the Congress select committee's Jan. 6 probe, said that they had respectfully and responsibly engaged with Pence.
The two noted in a joint statement that it was "disappointing" that Pence is misrepresenting the nature of their investigation while "giving interviews to promote his new book."
Pence has become critical of the former president over the events surrounding the insurrection.
On the other hand, the former vice president is also expanding his political staff as he considers a possible 2024 presidential run of his own.
Mike Pence 2024 Bid
Pence's Marc Short noted that they are "excited" to have Ali Kjergard join their team. Kjergard is a former spokesperson for Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska.
He will now be communications director for Pence's pre-campaign, the nonprofit organization Advancing American Freedom, as reported by CBS News.
Pence's advisers noted that the former vice president is creating a larger communications staff in early 2023.
His advisers added that he will also be establishing a fundraising team, with more hires expected in early 2023.
Pence will also be taking a tour of mega-churches around the country in key states, as confirmed by another Pence aide.
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Written by: Mary Webber
WATCH: Justice Department seeks to question former Vice President Mike Pence in Jan. 6 probe - from CBS News