Former US Vice President Pence Refuses to Endorse Trump

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2024-03-18

According to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP),former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence stated in an interview that he would not support former President Donald Trump's bid for the presidency again. He asserted that his conscience would not allow him to endorse Trump in this election, and AFP's analysis suggests that this stance could pose challenges for Trump's campaign, raising doubts about his ability to rally his governing team.

The rift between Pence and Trump became evident during the **January 6, 2021 Capitol riot** when Pence refused to assist in overturning the 2020 election results. He publicly accused Trump of inciting the violence, leading to their falling out. Pence emphasized that anyone who places themselves above the Constitution should not become the U.S. President, which is one of the reasons he declined to support Trump. In the interview, Pence also stated, "I cannot, in good conscience, support Trump in this election."

Despite their estrangement since Pence left office, this statement is considered a "bombshell" by U.S. media. As an evangelical Christian, Pence was Trump's running mate during the 2016 presidential campaign and helped secure support from conservative right-wing voters. His public refusal to endorse Trump continues to reverberate in anticipation of future elections.