Prior to Wednesday’s election certification procedures and the violence that followed, Cipollone warned Trump that he had no legal basis to justify his argument that Vice President Mike Pence had the power to block Congressional certification from Joe Biden’s presidential victory. He also defended the legality of the strategies that Trump suggested with other lawyers, such as Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell, as a way to contest the results of the 2020 presidential elections.
“He is there on duty,” said a source.
A source close to Cipollone said: “Pat is a true public servant dedicated to the rule of law and his country.”
Cipollone’s departure would add to the growing list of Trump administration officials, which now includes cabinet members, who have resigned their government posts since the siege of the Capitol.
Cipollone defended the president during the impeachment process over the phone with the Ukrainian leader, but his possible departure raises questions about who would represent Trump if current impeachment negotiations gained more momentum. Cipollone’s participation is now highly unlikely.
Cipollone was known for quickly developing a warm relationship with the president after joining the White House legal team. The attorney’s initial suitability, sources told CNN in early 2020, was reinforced by his decades-long relationship with then attorney general Bill Barr.
Prior to joining the White House, Cipollone was a partner at the law firm Stein Mitchell Cipollone Beato & Missner in Washington. He also worked for the Justice Department during the administration of President George HW Bush.
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Maegan Vazquez contributed to this report.