Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized former President Donald Trump’s new statement on abortion, calling it a retreat on the right to life and a slap in the face to pro-life Americans who voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020. Pence, who was nearly attacked by a mob of Trump’s followers on Jan. 6, 2021, has stated that he will not endorse Trump in the upcoming election because he cannot support someone who put himself above the Constitution. Pence emphasized the importance of bold truth-telling and defending human life from conception to death in his response to Trump’s statements.
Donald Trump selected Mike Pence as his running mate in 2016 to appeal to evangelical voters concerned about Trump’s past behavior and stance on abortion. Pence, who has a long history as a devout Christian and abortion opponent, was seen as a way to assuage those concerns. Trump’s promise to only appoint Supreme Court justices approved by anti-abortion groups played a significant role in overturning Roe v. Wade during his presidency. Pence’s support for state-level abortion bans over a federal ban conflicted with Trump’s position, leading to a public disagreement between the two.
Despite his previous support for state-level abortion bans, Mike Pence now advocates for a national ban on abortion and criticizes Trump and other members of the GOP who do not. He believes that pro-life Americans will continue fighting until the sanctity of life is reinstated in American law across all states. Meanwhile, Trump, who initially boasted about overturning the national right to abortion, is facing challenges within his party regarding the issue. Trump has difficulty reconciling the demands of the party for a national abortion ban of at least 15 weeks with his own positions.
Trump’s legal troubles, including multiple criminal indictments related to his actions during his presidency and the 2020 election, have not deterred his political aspirations. Despite facing potential trials and charges, Trump defeated Pence and other challengers to secure his third consecutive GOP presidential nomination. Legal proceedings regarding his alleged crimes may proceed in the coming months, with a federal indictment possible as early as late August. Trump’s actions related to the 2020 election and Georgia’s state prosecution could also lead to trials. Additionally, Trump is facing a New York state prosecution for falsifying business records and a federal prosecution for withholding secret documents.
In a civil case, Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s, with the federal judge confirming that his actions constituted rape. These legal challenges have not derailed Trump’s political ambitions, as he continues to navigate his path within the Republican Party. Despite tensions between Trump and Pence on issues like abortion, both figures remain influential within the conservative political landscape. The dynamics between the two men reflect broader divisions within the GOP, particularly regarding social issues and legal matters.
