Sen. JD Vance questioned the validity of the claim that former Vice President Mike Pence’s life was in danger during the Capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021, caused by supporters of former President Donald Trump. CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins pressed Vance about whether he would consider being Trump’s running mate, given that Trump did not call Pence during the ordeal. Vance expressed skepticism about Pence’s life being at risk during the riots, calling it a riot and not the scariest moment in people’s lives.
During the chaos, Pence was escorted to a loading dock beneath the Capitol complex, with investigators stating that the mob got within 40 feet of him. Vance argued against the idea that Trump endangered lives by telling protestors to act peacefully, despite his public attacks on Pence urging him to reject certified electoral votes. Chants of “hang Mike Pence” were heard during the riot, leading to a House select committee investigation into Trump’s actions that day.
Pence, who had vied for the 2024 GOP nomination before dropping out, publicly criticized Trump for his role in the events, saying Trump was wrong and had endangered his family and everyone present at the Capitol. Vance defended Trump, implying that holding him responsible for every bad thing said by a participant in American democracy was absurd. Though he did not rule out the possibility of being Trump’s running mate, he emphasized the importance of supporting Trump as a good president without directly discussing the vice president position with him.
Vance’s comments stirred controversy, with some questioning his dismissal of Pence’s safety during the riots. Pence’s spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for a comment on the matter. The tension between Pence and Trump following the events at the Capitol continues to be a point of contention within the Republican Party, with Pence condemning Trump’s actions and Trump’s supporters defending his stance. The ongoing debate highlights the divisions within the party and the differing perspectives on the events of Jan. 6 and the respective roles of Trump and Pence.
