Mike Pence
Mike PenceTNS/ABACA via Reuters Connect

Former US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday he has “nothing to hide” after a federal judge reportedly ruled that he must testify in front of the federal grand jury investigating former President Donald Trump’s actions on the day of the Jan. 6 riots, The Hill reported.

“Let me be clear, I have nothing to hide,” Pence was quoted as having told Newsmax. “I have a Constitution to uphold. I upheld the Constitution on Jan. 6.”

Pence has previously fought back a subpoena from special counsel Jack Smith, who is handling two separate federal investigations into Trump, by arguing that the Constitution’s “speech and debate” clause shielded him from having to testify about his official duties on Jan. 6.

Trump had fought to block Pence’s speaking with the grand jury on the grounds of executive privilege.

A judge ruled that executive privilege could not shield Pence entirely from having to testify, according to a number of reports. The court did, however, agree in part that Pence would not have to answer questions about his role as president of the Senate, possibly limiting questions into his actions on the day of the Capitol riots.

“I’m pleased that the court accepted our argument and recognized that the Constitution’s provision about speech and debate does apply to the vice president,” Pence said on Tuesday. “The way they sorted that out and the requirements of my testimony going forward are subject of our review right now.”

When asked if he planned to appeal the ruling, Pence said, “We are evaluating the court’s decision.”

The former Vice President had previously stated that he was willing to fight the subpoena all the way to the Supreme Court.