Donald Trump’s deputy Mike Pence reportedly told the embattled US leader that he doubts he has the power to overturn Joe Biden’s congressional victory over alleged voter fraud, The New York Times reports.
This was revealed to the publication by sources who were briefed about the conversation that took place during the 2 men’s weekly lunch yesterday.
Trump had before the meeting, basing on Pence’s formal and constitutionally prescribed role of presiding over the House and Senate as they receive and certify the electoral votes conveyed by the states, tweeted:
The Vice President has the power to reject fraudulently chosen electors.
However, according to sources that spoke to the publication Pence said he has no such power and promised Trump he will keep studying the issue till the certification of the vote at 1 PM in Washington DC today:
Even as he sought to make clear that he does not have the power Mr. Trump seems to think he has, Mr. Pence also indicated to the president that he would keep studying the issue up until the final hours before the joint session of Congress begins at 1 p.m. Wednesday, according to the people briefed on their conversation.
Donald Trump is having a hard time accepting defeat after his rival Joseph Biden won 306 seats against Trump’s 232 seats.
More: The New York Times