Pence Refuses to Back Trump

(UnitedHeadlines.com) – During a March 17 interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” former Vice President Mike Pence said he would not endorse his two-time running mate, former President Donald Trump.

While Pence stated he was proud of the administration’s accomplishments, he said he could not “in good conscience” endorse Trump due to profound disagreements about some policy decisions and Trump’s actions on Jan. 6, 2021. Though he did not expand on the policies the disagreements were about, he said the two are “different men,” adding that the decision not to endorse Trump is “not personal.”

In explaining his decision, Pence said that the conservative movement is at “a crossroads,” adding he will continue to fight for “foundational conservative principles.” He said he thinks the “mainstream conservative agenda” is still “the best hope” for the country’s future.

Even though he would not endorse Trump, Pence did tell “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan that he respects the choice of Republican voters “who have made it clear” they want Trump to be the Republican presidential nominee.

Pence’s comments during the March 17 interview expanded on his March 15 statement to Fox News, where he stated he would not endorse Trump. During the March 15 interview, Pence said that despite not endorsing Trump, he would not cast his vote for President Joe Biden.

On March 19, while voting in Florida’s primary, Trump said he “couldn’t care less” when asked about Pence’s comment.

Pence’s comments are a reversal from his April 2023 statement, where he said he would endorse Trump even if he was convicted in any of the four criminal indictments pending against him.

The former Indiana governor had been seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination against Trump until Pence suspended his campaign in October 2023.

Pence is not the only candidate who had been seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination not to endorse Trump. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who suspended her campaign at the beginning of March, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who suspended his campaign in January, both have yet to endorse the former president.