Former Vice President Mike Pence Criticizes DOJ Over Trump’s Indictment
Former Vice President Mike Pence spoke out against the Department of Justice on Saturday, criticizing them for a 37-count indictment against his former boss, Donald Trump. The indictment accuses Trump of conspiring to hide top-secret documents from authorities who were seeking their return.
Pence Demands Answers
During a speech at the North Carolina Republican state convention, Pence demanded that Attorney General Merrick Garland explain why the indictment went forward and stop hiding behind the special counsel. He believes that the American people have a right to know the basis of this decision.
Blaming Prosecutors
Pence chose to blame prosecutors for charging Trump with a crime rather than Trump for refusing to turn over hundreds of classified documents. This aligns him with most other candidates running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination against Trump.
Other Candidates’ Views
Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy promised to pardon Trump on his first day in office should he win. Only former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have said that Trump is to blame for his own troubles and that his behavior made him unfit for the presidency.
Pence’s Response to Questions
When reporters asked Pence if he had read the indictment and if he believed it would’ve come had Trump turned over improperly retained classified documents when the FBI requested them, he ignored the questions as he was leaving following his 40 minutes on the stage.
Trump’s Florida Country Club Searched
After the FBI searched Trump’s Florida country club following his failure to turn over all the classified documents in his possession last summer and after aides to Joe Biden discovered files at the Democratic president’s home, Pence looked through his own residence and similarly found classified material. He called in the FBI, resulting in further searches. The DOJ announced recently that its investigation into Pence had been closed with no charges.
Pence on Jan. 6 Coup Attempt
Pence was nearly killed during Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt in Washington. Despite this, Pence has remained measured in his criticisms of Trump. Only in his campaign announcement last week did Pence say, for the first time, that Trump’s behavior after the 2020 election through the Jan. 6 insurrection disqualified him from being president again.
Pence’s Remarks on Trump
At the North Carolina Republican state convention, Pence reiterated his belief that anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States. He explained his actions on Jan. 6 when he refused Trump’s demands.
Republicans’ Reactions to Pence
Republicans at the convention offered polite applause as Pence spoke. However, some delegates, such as Melissa Crespo, a delegate from the Lincoln County party committee, said they could not support Pence. She felt that he should not run against Trump and that doing so would be disloyal.
Pence’s Fundraiser
Pence’s “First in Freedom” luncheon brought in 600 convention-goers, who paid $75 each to attend the fundraiser. It was one of three ticketed meals the party is holding. A dinner featuring fellow GOP hopeful Ron DeSantis attracted about 900 attendees who paid $150 a ticket, while a Saturday night dinner with Trump sold nearly 1,000 tickets at $150 each.
