Pence, Trump’s deputy-turned-deserter, is likely to attend Biden’s inauguration
WASHINGTON: Outgoing US vicepresident Mike Pence is expected to attend Presidentelect Joe Biden’s inauguration event on January 20. That’s according to two people - one close to Pence and one familiar with the inauguration planning. The people spoke on condition of anonymity on Thursday as the plans had yet to be finalised.
The news comes a day after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to stop the congressional confirmation of Biden’s election win, with some angrily shouting that they were looking for Pence.
Donald Trump had told his supporters that Pence had the power to reject electoral votes and make him the president instead of Biden, even though in reality, Pence did not have that authority.
The insurrection at the Capitol is intensifying scrutiny over security at the inauguration ceremony for Biden. Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris will take the oath of office from the Capitol’s West Front.
Inauguration plans were already scaled back because of the coronavirus. And now the brazen attack raises new questions about preparedness for the event that welcome the new administration after a bitter election. The congressional leaders who are responsible for coordinating the inauguration ceremony insisted on Thursday night that events will move forward. Roughly 6,200 members of the National Guard from six states will help support the Capitol Police and other law enforcement in the capital city for the next 30 days.
Meanwhile, gaming platform Twitch has indefinitely banned Trump’s official channel on its platform, joining Twitter and Facebook in taking action against him.