Following a statement by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, it was revealed that President Trump was aware that Vice President Pence's life was in danger when rioters stormed the Capitol on January 6, minutes before he sent out tweets attacking Pence.
On Wednesday, February 10, Tuberville told reporters the President called him on January 6 to try and delay Biden's certification. The call was cut short, however, when the insurrection forced the Capitol into lockdown.
Tuberville recalled:
"He didn't get a chance to say a whole lot because I said, 'Mr. President, they just took the vice president out. I've got to go.'"
Ten minutes after 2:14, when Pence was removed from the Senate (and Tuberville told Trump that Pence was in danger), Trump tweeted this:
"Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution."
The House managers prosecuting Trump during his impeachment trial seized upon this timing, highlighting video footage of rioters who were aware of Trump's tweet, while others erected a gallows on the Capitol lawn, and others still roamed the halls chanting "hang Mike Pence."
It was impossible for Trump to be unaware of the danger to Pence's life, but instead of trying to protect his second-in-command, the President further enflamed his supporters' anger.
Though Twitter wasn't particularly shocked at Trump's behavior, his lack of empathy was still chilling to many who expect better from a President.
Political pundits and reporters dissected the timeline of events to try and communicate the irresponsibility of the President's tweet.
Many questioned whether the President truly wished something bad befell Pence.
During his time in office, there was one thing more important to Donald Trump than anything.
Himself.
If President Trump is convicted by the Senate by a two thirds majority, he can then be barred from holding future office by a simple majority vote.
