Former Vice President Mike Pence has declared that he will not be endorsing his ex-running mate, former President Donald Trump, for the upcoming 2024 general election.
This announcement came during an interview on Fox News on Friday, where Pence made it clear that he could not support Trump's candidacy due to what he sees as significant differences in their views and approaches to governance.
Pence Cites 'Profound Differences' with Trump
"It should come as no surprise that I will not be endorsing Donald Trump this year," Pence stated during the interview, emphasizing that there are "profound differences" between their ideologies and policy stances.
However, Pence expressed pride in their shared record.
"I'm incredibly proud of the record of our administration," he remarked, reflecting on their previous tenure in office. "It was a conservative record that made America more prosperous, more secure and saw conservatives appointed to our courts in a more peaceful world."
Pence's decision not to endorse Trump comes amidst ongoing tensions between the two, exacerbated by the fallout from the January 6th riots at the Capitol, during which Trump exerted pressure on Pence to overturn the 2020 election results.
The former vice president believes that Trump's rhetoric, combined with the violent actions of his supporters at the Capitol, endangered the safety of his family and others present.
Furthermore, Pence highlighted their disagreements on issues ranging from fiscal responsibility to social policies, including Trump's recent reversal of position on the TikTok ban, stating that they deviate from the conservative agenda they once championed together.
"As I have watched his candidacy unfold, I've seen him walking away from our commitment to confronting the national debt. I've seen him starting to shy away from a commitment to the sanctity of human life," he explained. "And this last week, his reversal on getting tough on China and supporting our administration's efforts to force a sale of ByteDance's TikTok."
Pence Won't Back Biden Either
Despite his refusal to endorse Trump, Pence declined to disclose who he plans to vote for in the general election, only stating unequivocally that he would "never" vote for President Joe Biden.
When pressed about the possibility of supporting a third-party candidate or even considering a run himself, Pence firmly asserted his allegiance to the Republican Party, stating, "I'm a Republican."
He emphasized his commitment to promoting a conservative agenda that aligns with the values of the party. Pence's announcement marks a significant departure from his previous stance of loyalty to Trump.
While he refrained from endorsing a candidate during the Republican primary, Pence had previously expressed his intention to support the eventual GOP nominee. However, his recent statements indicate a clear break from that position.
Trump has yet to issue a statement in response to Pence's remarks.
