According to former Vice President Mike Pence, the only reason ex-president Donald Trump incited the horrific violence which took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 was because he received “bad advice from lawyers.”

Speaking with “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd on Sunday, Pence was asked:

“Do you think that [Trump] committed a criminal act in fomenting the insurrection? Do you think a crime was committed?”

Pence responded:

“Well, I don’t know if it is criminal to listen to bad advice from lawyers. Truth is, what the president was repeating was what he was hearing from that gaggle of attorneys around. And you know, presidents, just like all of us that have served in public life, you have to rely on your team.”

The former VP added:

“I hope we can move beyond this. This is really a time when our country ought to be healing.”

While he was at it, Pence also attacked the Justice Department for daring to hold Trump accountable for possibly violating the Espionage Act and endangering the national security of the United States.

“And then this summer when we see the Justice Department execute a search warrant against the personal residence of a former president. I think the American people join me in hoping we can move past this contention.”

Just a week ago, Pence slammed Trump for his role in endangering the life of himself and his family, telling David Muir of ABC News:

“The president’s words were reckless and his actions were reckless. The president’s words that day at the rally [before the riot] endangered me and my family and everyone at the Capitol building.”

It’s OK, Mike. Your former boss was just following the bad advice of his lawyers. Those chants of “Hang Mike Pence” were just specious legal arguments. No need to get upset.

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