Mike Pence news: Ex-VP contradicts himself on Trump charges at CNN town hall launching 2024 campaign

Donald Trump’s former chief of staff testified before a grand jury in Washington DC, according to multiple media reports, in the surest sign in weeks that the Department of Justice’s investigation into January 6 has reached the highest levels of the White House.

John Bowden has the details.

Former Vice President Mike Pence plans to make the expansion of abortion bans a centre plank of his 2024 campaign, and made that clear as he launched his bid for the GOP nomination on Wednesday.

Read more...

The Department of Justice is preparing to ask a Washington, DC grand jury to indict former president Donald Trump for violating the Espionage Act and for obstruction of justice as soon as Thursday, adding further weight to the legal baggage facing Mr Trump as he campaigns for his party’s nomination in next year’s presidential election.

The Independent has learned that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits “gathering, transmitting or losing” any “information respecting the national defence”.

Andrew Feinberg reports from Washington, DC.

While former Vice President Mike Pence landed a few blows on his one-time running mate, Donald Trump, regarding the January 6 2021 Capitol riot, he also claimed credit for the perceived successes of the Trump administration and said he had been proud to serve alongside him every day.

While Mr Trump has been sparring for some time with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the real anti-Trump attack dog who entered the race most recently is former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney lauds the “fascinating dynamic” Mr Christie brings to the race for the Republican nomination in the way in which he goes after Mr Trump.

He notes on Twitter: “More importantly, Trump has never faced attacks like this (at least not from someone who knows how to deliver them.) Should make the debates must-see-TV.”

Mr Mulvaney adds: “That is, if Trump isn't too afraid to be on stage with Christie.”

Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his furious reaction to the news that he may soon be indicted.

The Independent reported earlier on Wednesday that prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against Mr Trump for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits “gathering, transmitting or losing” any “information respecting the national defence”.

Gustaf Kilander and Andrew Feinberg report from Washington, DC.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday defended his state’s decision to fly migrants from the US-Mexico border to California, arguing that the state had essentially invited the migrants with its welcoming policies toward immigrants.

Read more...

Donald Trump’s former White House adviser Steve Bannon has been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith as part of a grand jury in his investigation into the January 6 insurrection, says a report.

The Washington DC grand jury is separate from the investigation into the former president’s handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home after he left the White House.

The subpoena is for both documents and testimony and was sent out in late May, sources told NBC News.

Graeme Massie has the latest.

January 6

“The American people deserve to know on that fateful day, President Trump also demanded I choose between him and our Constitution. Now voters will be faced with the same choice,” Mr Pence said. “Anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president again.

Divisive politics

“Most Americans treat each other with kindness and respect – even when we disagree,” he said. “It’s not too much to ask our leaders to do the same.”

Abortion

“After leading the most pro-life administration in American history, Donald Trump and others in this race are retreating from the cause of the unborn,” Mr Pence said. “The sanctity of life has been our party’s calling for half a century — long before Donald Trump was ever a part of it. Now he treats it as an inconvenience, even blaming election losses on overturning Roe v Wade.”

Ukraine

“President Trump, he described Vladimir Putin as a genius, at the outset of the invasion and another candidate for the Republican nomination described the invasion of Ukraine as a quote, territorial dispute. A year ago Karen and I stood on the Ukraine-Poland border in a relief centre and spoke with and embraced heartbroken families fleeing the violence,” said Mr Pence. “And I promise you I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal. I know the difference between a territorial dispute and a war of aggression. The war in Ukraine is not our war, but freedom is our fight. And America must always stand for freedom and when I’m your President, we will.”

Former Vice President Mike Pence said he plans to make the expansion of abortion bans a central plank of his 2024 campaign as he launched his bid for the GOP nomination on Wednesday.

John Bowden reports.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is set to field questions from Iowa voters in a CNN town hall at 9pm ET.

The event will be moderated by CNN’s Dana Bash and is being held at Grand View University in Des Moines.

The audience is made up of Iowa Republicans and people who say they intend to pre-register to take part in Republican Iowa caucuses.

Something to watch tonight is whether Mr Pence goes after any of the other candidates other than Donald Trump.