Former Vice President Mike Pence (R) said on Sunday that his decision not to support former President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign was a “departure” from conservative principles and a departure from Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021. He said it was about.
“The issue of loyalty to the Constitution is not a small issue, but it’s not the only issue,” Pence told CBS News’ Margaret Brennan in an interview on “Face the Nation.”
“The reason why I cannot in good conscience support Donald Trump this year also has to do with the fact that he is walking away. It’s not just about defending my faith in the Constitution of that day. But also, Margaret… With a commitment to fiscal responsibility, the sanctity of life, and American leadership in the world,” Pence told Brennan.
Pence pointed to Trump’s recent reversal regarding the possibility of banning TikTok.
“So after an administration that literally changed the national consensus on China, the president’s reversal on TikTok last week is why, after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support the policies that Donald Trump is advocating.” Join us in this national discussion. ”
Trump, who is seen as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, made great efforts to remain in office in 2020 even after losing the presidential election. Some of his actions were made public, while others were said to have taken place in private.
Trump’s campaign pressured then-Vice President Pence to reject certain states’ slates of electors during the ceremonial duty of counting the electors in public. Pence faced a wave of backlash, and on January 6, 2021, some members of an angry mob outside the Capitol erected a gallows and chanted “Hang Mike Pence!”
Pence insisted in an interview Sunday that he has forgiven Trump for his pressure campaign and his role in the events of that day, but said he still takes seriously Trump’s commitment to uphold the Constitution. .
“There’s a big difference between the president and me. A lot of people think January 6th just happened, but frankly, I don’t know if the president is claiming that I had the right to overturn the election that day. The fact that I continue to do so is a fundamental difference. But let me be clear: I forgive the president in my heart for what happened that day. As a Christian, I is required to do so. I have been praying for him in that regard,” Pence said.
Mr. Pence was asked multiple times whether he would vote for Mr. Trump even if he did not support the former president, but Mr. Pence did not directly answer.
“I’m not supporting Donald Trump this year,” he responded instead.
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