Communication Between Mike Pence and Donald Trump: Insights and Analysis

The relationship between Mike Pence and Donald Trump was often fraught with tension and miscommunication. This analysis delves into how these two individuals used their secured Hot Line for communication, the breakdown of their interaction during the attack on the Capitol, and the unconventional methods they employed to understand each other.

The Secured Hot Line: A Standard Procedure

As President and Vice President, Mike Pence and Donald Trump had a standard communication protocol in place. The secured Hot Line served as a direct and reliable method for communicating important and sensitive information during their tenure. This line was designed to ensure that critical decisions could be made swiftly and securely, with Pence updated on any vital developments as per standard procedures.

The Breakdown During the Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, the situation deteriorated when Pence and Trump were in stark disagreement. Trump insisted that Pence must accept the election results and begin his official duties. When Pence, under oath, refused to certify the results, Trump ordered his supporters to storm the Capitol. Pence went into hiding in a locked room in the Capitol Hill during the attack, effectively cutting off the Hot Line communication.

Understanding Through Language and Humor

According to the anecdotal accounts, Trump's communication with Pence was often characterized by incoherent rants and frequent digressions, making it difficult for Pence to comprehend his intentions. In contrast, Pence maintained a calm and composed demeanor, adhering strictly to the directives he received.

Recognizing the communication barrier, an on-call interpreter fluent in 'back-alley rant' and 'trash-talk' was brought in to bridge the gap. The interpreter, however, only lasted about three minutes on her first day due to the agitated manner in which Trump often communicated.

Ancient Yet Effective System

Apparently, for handling communication, an ancient yet effective system was in place. An individual would receive a new communique by feeling a physical sensation, such as a tap or a tap on the shoulder. While not directly mentioned, this could be seen as a humorous yet symbolic representation of the way in which key information was disseminated in the White House.

Conclusion

The relationship between Pence and Trump was marked by a significant communication gap, often exacerbated by Trump's lack of consideration for others' ideas and the impracticality of his proposals. For Pence, adhering to orders and maintaining composure was paramount, despite the frequent and often frustrating communication from Trump. Understanding the breakdown in their relationship and communication methods offers insights into the inner workings of the Trump-Pence administration.