Former President Donald Trump continued his pointed criticism of his former ally and Vice President, Mike Pence, on Monday morning, accusing Pence of disloyalty and asserting that he had never spoken ill of him before. Trump’s latest barrage of attacks unfolded on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In his Truth Social posts, Trump addressed Pence’s recent criticisms of his behavior following the 2020 presidential election and the events leading up to the January 6 Capitol attack. Trump highlighted Pence’s evolution from a potential ousting as Governor of Indiana to becoming Vice President, a position Trump claims to have elevated him to. He decried what he perceived as disloyalty in politics and reaffirmed his commitment to the “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) movement.
In response to Trump’s initial criticism, Pence had characterized the former president’s indictment as a reminder that prioritizing oneself over the Constitution is incompatible with the role of President. Pence’s statement emphasized the significance of upholding the Constitution and the nation’s values above personal ambition. He recounted the pivotal moment on January 6 when he chose to uphold the Constitution rather than succumb to Trump’s demands.
“I never said anything bad or even slightly inappropriate to Liddle’ Mike Pence,” asserted Trump on Truth Social. “What I did do was make him, over the many people who wanted it, Vice President of the United States. Disloyalty in politics is alive and well. MAGA!!!
WOW, it’s finally happened! Liddle’ Mike Pence, a man who was about to be ousted as Governor Indiana until I came along and made him V.P., has gone to the Dark Side. I never told a newly emboldened (not based on his 2% poll numbers!) Pence to put me above the Constitution, or that Mike was ‘too honest,’” he wrote, again on Truth Social. “He’s delusional, and now he wants to show he’s a tough guy. I once read a major magazine article on Mike. It said he was not a very good person. I was surprised, but the article was right. Sad!
Pence’s willingness to act as a witness in Trump’s legal proceedings further highlighted the deepening divide between the two former allies. Pence lamented the influence of a group of advisors he referred to as “crackpot lawyers” who catered to Trump’s desires rather than offering sound legal counsel.
Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution,” tweeted Trump.
Pence has minced no words in his critiques of his old boss since this latest indictment — the third leveled against Trump this year — was unsealed.
“Today’s indictment serves as an important reminder: anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be President of the United States,” read a statement released by Pence. “Our country is more important than one man. Our constitution is more important than any one man’s career. On January 6th, Former President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution and I always will.”
