In a jaw-dropping turn of events, former Vice President Mike Pence has come forward and said that he will not endorse former President Donald Trump for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This declaration is a significant departure from Pence’s previous role as Trump’s loyal running mate in both the 2016 and 2020 campaigns.
During a recent interview on Fox News, Pence made his stance clear, stating, “It should come as no surprise that I will not be endorsing Donald Trump this year.” This decision marks a notable break from tradition, as former vice presidents typically support their party’s nominee for president.
Pence briefly ran his unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2024 and cited fundamental differences between himself and Trump on vital conservative principles. He emphasized concerns regarding Trump’s departure from their shared administration’s policies, particularly regarding fiscal responsibility, protecting the sanctity of life, and tough stances against China.
“While I am proud of the conservative accomplishments achieved during our administration, including economic prosperity and the appointment of conservative judges, I cannot in good conscience endorse Donald Trump in this campaign,” Pence stated.
This announcement has stirred speculation about the future of the Republican Party and Trump’s potential candidacy. With Pence distancing himself from the former president, questions arise about the GOP’s cohesion and direction as the 2024 election cycle unfolds.
Pence’s decision to withhold his endorsement adds to an ever-growing list of prominent Republicans who have opted not to support Trump’s potential presidential bid. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who ran against Trump in the Republican primary, have also refrained from endorsing him.
Nevertheless, Trump has garnered support from several high-profile figures within the party, including Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
Mr. Pence’s decision not to endorse Trump for the 2024 presidential race comes amidst his active engagement in conservative advocacy and policy initiatives. In February, Pence launched the American Solutions Project, a policy and advocacy initiative promoting conservative principles among political candidates and elected officials. According to Pence, the principles advocated by the American Solutions Project played a significant role in fostering prosperity and strength in the United States during the Trump administration.
Advancing American Freedom (AAF), founded by Pence and based in Washington, unveiled the American Solutions Project on February 20th. The organization’s mission is to defend traditional conservative policies and values against what it perceives as “liberal attacks and media distortions.”
“Advancing American Freedom plans to build on the success of the last four years by promoting traditional Conservative values and the successful policies of the Trump Administration,” Pence stated in 2021.
With a firm stance against what they view as threats posed by liberal policies, AAF seeks to influence political majorities by providing conservative policy recommendations to political candidates, advocating for conservative legislation on domestic and foreign issues, and staunchly defending conservative principles.
Looking ahead to 2024, AAF has ambitious plans to allocate $20 million towards advancing its objectives. This budget includes $8 million designated for The American Solutions Project, $7 million for AAF’s operational expenses, and $5 million for the AAF Foundation’s operational expenses.
As the Republican Party navigates internal divisions and prepares for the 2024 election, Pence’s announcement is a significant development in the evolving landscape of conservative politics. With Trump’s intentions for the upcoming election yet to be formally announced, the rift between the former vice president and the ex-president adds another layer of intrigue to an already dynamic political environment.
