Trump Was Not Upset That Jan. 6 Capitol Rioters Shouted ‘Hang Mike Pence’

Former President Donald Trump said that former Vice President Mike Pence was “well-protected” during the Jan. 6 insurrection.

In an interview with ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, Karl asked Trump: “Were you worried about [Pence] during that siege? Were you worried about his safety?”

Trump responded: “No, I thought he was well-protected, and I had heard that he was in good shape. No. Because I had heard he was in very good shape. But, but, no, I think…”

Karl interrupted Trump to point out that rioters were chanting “hang Mike Pence.”

Karl said: “Because you heard those chants — that was terrible. I mean—”

“He could have — well, the people were very angry,” replies Trump.

“They were saying ‘hang Mike Pence,” Karl affirmed.

“Because it’s common sense, Jon,” Trump says. “It’s common sense that you’re supposed to protect. How can you — if you know a vote is fraudulent, right? — how can you pass on a fraudulent vote to Congress?”

Back in June, Pence himself acknowledged a divide between himself and Trump, saying during a speech in Hillsborough County, N.H.: “You know, President Trump and I have spoken many times since we left office. And I don’t know if we’ll ever see eye to eye on that day. But I will always be proud of what we accomplished for the American people over the last four years.”

Article by Elizabeth Letsou