Mike Pence Refuses to Endorse Donald Trump for 2024 Election

Former Vice President Mike Pence made it clear on Friday that he will not be endorsing his former boss Donald Trump in the 2024 general election. Speaking on Fox News, Pence cited "profound differences" between their views on various issues as the reason for his decision, stating that he "cannot in good conscience" back Trump.

Stance on Voting

Pence declined to disclose who he plans to vote for in November, but he emphasized that he would "never" vote for President Joe Biden. When pressed about his voting intentions, Pence stated, "Like most Americans, I'm going to keep my vote to myself." He also dismissed the idea of backing a third-party candidate or running as a third-party candidate himself, reaffirming his allegiance to the Republican party.

Criticisms of Trump

Pence criticized Trump for pursuing an agenda that contradicts the conservative principles they previously upheld during their administration. He specifically highlighted disagreements on the national deficit, abortion and Trump's reversal on the TikTok ban as factors contributing to his decision not to endorse his former running mate. Additionally, Pence expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's pressure to reject the 2020 election results, which Pence stated endangered his family's life on January 6, 2021.

Focus on Conservative Agenda

Despite the rift in his relationship with Trump, Pence acknowledged the choice made by Republican primary voters and affirmed his commitment to promoting the "broad mainstream conservative agenda" that has traditionally defined the Republican party. He emphasized the need to advocate for the principles that have historically strengthened America.

Post-Campaign Activities

Following the suspension of his presidential campaign, Pence's political advocacy organization, Advancing American Freedom, announced plans to invest $20 million in a program aimed at upholding conservatism as a concept transcending specific moments, elections, or individuals. This move was interpreted as a veiled critique of Trump and CPAC, emphasizing a broader vision for conservatism.

Trump's Response

After Pence suspended his campaign last year, Trump urged him to endorse his candidacy, reminding him of the role he played in Pence's political career and highlighting the success of their joint presidency. Trump also expressed discontent with what he perceived as disloyalty in politics, an issue he had previously raised while criticizing other political figures.