Former Vice President Mike Pence made headlines on Friday with his stunning announcement that he cannot endorse presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump. In a bold move, Pence cited Trump’s departure from conservative values as the reason for his decision.
Speaking on Fox News, Pence stated, “Donald Trump is pursuing and articulating an agenda that is at odds with the conservative agenda that we governed on during our four years. That’s why I cannot in good conscience endorse Donald Trump in this campaign.”
This announcement comes after Pence previously withheld an endorsement in the 2024 Republican primary, despite vowing to support the eventual GOP nominee. Trump had publicly called for Pence’s endorsement, highlighting the rift between the two former allies.
While Pence expressed pride in the accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration, he pointed to Trump’s shifting positions on key issues such as abortion, the national debt, and TikTok. Pence emphasized the importance of conservative values and expressed concern over Trump’s departure from them.
In a surprising twist, Pence did not reveal who he plans to vote for in the 2024 general election, but made it clear that he will not support President Joe Biden or a third-party candidate. This decision underscores the complexity of the current political landscape and the divisions within the Republican party.
Pence’s decision to break with Trump on this issue is not the first time he has distanced himself from the former president. In the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riot, Pence refused to overturn the election results, citing Trump’s “reckless words” as a contributing factor to the violence that ensued.
As Pence continues to navigate his political future, his recent announcement signals a shift in the dynamics of the Republican party. With his group, Advancing American Freedom, dedicating $20 million to promoting conservative policies, Pence remains a key figure in shaping the future of the party.
This story is still developing, and additional updates may provide further insight into Pence’s decision and its implications for the upcoming election. Stay tuned for more information as this story unfolds.