Former Vice President Mike Pence made headlines on Friday by announcing that he would not be endorsing Donald J. Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Pence’s decision diverges from that of some of Trump’s other previous rivals, such as Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tim Scott, who have already pledged their support to the presumptive nominee.
During an appearance on Fox News’ “The Story” with Martha MacCallum, Pence made it clear that he could not, in good conscience, support Trump’s bid for the presidency.
While Pence did not explicitly disclose his intended vote for the November election, he categorically ruled out supporting Joe Biden. Additionally, Pence dismissed the possibility of running as a third-party or independent candidate, affirming his allegiance to the Republican Party.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to Pence’s announcement.
Throughout his brief presidential campaign, spanning less than five months, Pence struggled to gain traction among caucusgoers and primary voters who remained fiercely loyal to Trump. Despite his efforts to emphasize the achievements of the Trump-Pence administration, particularly in the areas of the economy and judicial appointments, Pence faced challenges in distancing himself from Trump’s actions, notably regarding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Pence’s refusal to comply with Trump’s demand to overturn the certification of the 2020 election results further strained their relationship and incurred the wrath of Trump and his supporters.
Reflecting on his campaign, Pence highlighted the stark differences between himself and Trump on various issues, beyond just their dispute over Pence’s constitutional duties on January 6th.
Pence expressed disappointment in Trump’s departure from conservative principles, citing concerns over fiscal responsibility, the sanctity of human life, and the handling of foreign policy matters such as China. He criticized Trump’s recent stance on reducing the national debt, wavering commitment to pro-life values, and reversal on policies related to China, including the administration’s efforts to force a sale of ByteDance’s TikTok application.
Pence’s decision not to endorse Trump underscores the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party and the broader conservative movement. As the party grapples with its future direction and leadership, Pence’s stance represents a significant break from the Trumpian wing of the GOP, signaling potential shifts in alliances and political strategies leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
