Former Vice President Mike Pence was ripped by supporters of his ex-running mate after reacting to news of President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 election.
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, Monday morning, Pence wrote that Biden had “made the right decision for our country” after announcing a day prior that he would not be seeking a second term in office. The president quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take over as his successor, and the vice president has seen a boom in support from Democrats in the 24 hours following Biden’s announcement about stepping aside.
“President Joe Biden made the right decision for our country and I thank him for putting the interests of our Nation ahead of his own,” read Pence’s post, which as of Monday afternoon had been viewed over 3.2 million times.
President Joe Biden made the right decision for our country and I thank him for putting the interests of our Nation ahead of his own. After the assassination attempt on President Trump and President Biden’s decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties…
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) July 22, 2024
“After the assassination attempt on [former] President [Donald] Trump and President Biden’s decision to end his campaign, now is a time for leaders in both parties to project calm and send a message of strength and resolve to America’s friends and enemies alike that, whatever the state of our politics, the American people are strong and our American military stands ready to defend our freedom and our vital national interests anywhere in the world,” the former vice president added.
Pence, who served during Trump’s first term, has separated himself from the former president following the aftermath of the 2020 election, where Trump has faced criticism and criminal charges for his alleged efforts to remain in power despite losing to Biden. Pence unsuccessfully ran for the GOP presidential nomination this election cycle and has yet to announce his endorsement for November, although he has said that he does not support Trump’s reelection bid.
Several supporters of Trump hit back on Pence’s statement over X on Monday, including conservative commentator Rogan O’Handley, who responded, “Did a Democrat write this?”
Online internet personality Gunther Eagleman, who often posts in support of Trump, wrote under Pence’s post Monday, “You should sit this one out Mike, no one gives a f*** what you think.”
Joey Mannarino, who hosts a conservative political podcast, posted, “This is why we consider you a traitor, Mike. F*** off.”
Alexander Sheppard, who was sentenced in September 2023 for his role in the attacks on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, also attacked Pence on Monday, writing, “Thanks for your 2 cents traitor.”
Pence has been called a traitor in the past by supporters of Trump’s MAGA movement. The vice president was pressured to reject the 2020 election results while presiding over Congress‘ certification of the ballots on the day of the Capitol attacks. Pence refused such calls from Trump and his allies.
Newsweek reached out to Pence’s team via email for comment on the attacks Monday.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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