Pence won't interfere with election certification despite Trump's pressure, officials say

President urges vice-president to subvert democracy while Washington DC prepares for protests planned by Trump supporters

Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Mike Pence to subvert democracy and overturn the election result when Congress meets on Wednesday to affirm Joe Biden's victory, even as sources close to the vice-president indicate he will not interfere in the certification.

The president has been hyping the congressional tally of electoral college votes as a dramatic last stand and urged supporters to stage wild" street demonstrations in Washington. In reality, Biden's win is a foregone conclusion and the vice-president's ceremonial role as presiding officer has been likened to an awards host opening envelopes.