Former Vice President Mike Pence Distances Himself from Donald Trump
Pence to Use Political Group to Defend Reagan-Era Policies
Pence Resists Endorsement of Trump Amid Criticism and Capitol Riot Aftermath
Former Vice President Mike Pence has announced that he will not endorse Donald Trump in the November presidential election. Pence, who has been a vocal critic of Trump's policies and actions, said he plans to use his political group, Advancing American Freedom, to defend the Reagan-era policies that he and Trump have both espoused.
Pence's decision is a significant blow to Trump, who has been seeking to regain the support of his former running mate. Pence's refusal to endorse Trump comes after he was subjected to intense pressure from Trump and his supporters following the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.
During an ABC News interview in May, Pence said that he could not in good conscience endorse Trump because he believed that Trump's actions on January 6 were a "grave threat to our democracy." Pence also said that he was "deeply troubled" by the Republican National Committee's decision to adopt a platform that he described as a "profound disappointment."
Pence's decision to distance himself from Trump is likely to have a significant impact on the Republican primary race. With Pence out of the running, it is now more likely that Trump will face a primary challenger. It is also possible that Pence's decision will encourage other Republican leaders to speak out against Trump.
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