Former Vice President Mike Pence has received a subpoena from the special counsel overseeing the investigation into former President Donald Trump, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Video in the media player from the previous report.
Sources told ABC News that the subpoena from special counsel Jack Smith seeks documents and testimony related to the failed attempt by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
The subpoena comes after months of negotiations between federal prosecutors and Pence’s legal team.
In November, Smith was appointed to oversee an investigation into Trump’s potential mishandling of classified documents after he left office and obstruction of government efforts to retrieve them, as well as a separate investigation into attempts by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 results. elections.
The move will be seen as a major escalation of Smith’s investigation into efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the election, and signals that Smith’s investigation has entered a more advanced stage.
It’s unclear to what extent the former vice president might try to invoke executive branch rights to the information Smith is seeking, setting up a potentially lengthy and contentious legal battle with no clear modern precedent.
A spokesman for Pence did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment. The special prosecutor’s office declined to comment.
A spokesman for Trump also did not immediately respond.
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