It’s a good bet something is awry when the President of the United States is asked to pardon someone before he’s been charged with a crime.
But that’s exactly what John Eastman did in the waning days of former President Donald Trump’s term.
Eastman, a close adviser to then-president Trump, knew his advice to subvert the 2020 election was illegal. In fact, he even admitted as much to the president. But once Eastman had convinced Trump that Vice President Mike Pence had the power to overturn the 2020 election results — which he didn’t — there was no turning back for Trump, and Eastman was doomed to go along for the ride.
Eastman’s “theory” was to have Pence unilaterally reject the slate of electors submitted by the states and demand a nationwide recount with electors of their choosing.
Pence, thankfully, did not yield to his superior’s pressure to break the law on that infamous day, despite the mob outside demanding his head.
Testimony Thursday before the House Committee revealed two additional disturbing facts: Once they breached the Capitol, the rioters were within 40 feet of Pence; and a confidential witness who traveled to Washington with the Proud Boys, the most prominent of the far-right groups that helped lead the assault on the Capitol, told investigators the group would have killed Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, if they got the chance.
Imagine the chaos that would have ensued if either of those things were to have occurred.
According to Trump, Pence would “have deserved” such a fate.
GREG JACOB, a former adviser to Pence, said he relied on his faith to sustain him while being sequestered in the bowels of the Capitol during the five-hour siege.
“I, down in the secure location, pulled out my Bible … and took great comfort.
“Daniel 6 was where I went. He refuses an order from the king that he cannot follow. And he does his duty, consistent with his oath to God, and I felt that that’s what had played out that day.”
