Donald Trump, despite the recent endorsement snub from his former vice president, Mike Pence, appeared unfazed as he addressed reporters after casting his vote in Florida’s primary.
“I couldn’t care less,” remarked Trump, 77, dismissing the issue.
Emphasizing the need for strong leadership in the country, Trump expressed concerns about the nation’s rapid decline. “We need patriots. We need strong people in our country,” he stated firmly, adding, “We don’t need weak people.”
Pence, 64, had publicly stated his refusal to endorse Trump for re-election, citing concerns over Trump’s conduct surrounding the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Pence elaborated on his stance during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” where he highlighted his commitment to constitutional principles and conservative values.
Trump Disregards Pence’s Refusal to Endorse: Calls for Strong Leadership Amidst Nation’s Challenges (Credits: Vanity Fair)
Despite his reservations about endorsing Trump, Pence clarified that he couldn’t endorse President Biden either, indicating his reluctance to support either candidate wholeheartedly.
Trump and Pence’s relationship had soured in the lead-up to the Capitol riot, with Trump openly pressuring Pence to challenge the 2020 election results, a move Pence refused, citing constitutional limitations. Since then, Trump has criticized Pence publicly, although Pence maintains that he has forgiven his former boss.
Pence’s decision not to endorse Trump aligns him with other prominent Republicans, such as Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, and Asa Hutchinson, who have also refrained from endorsing the former president.
Trump, meanwhile, confirmed that he voted for himself in the primary and has signaled that he won’t select Pence as his running mate if he runs again. Instead, he is exploring other potential candidates, including Tim Scott, Tulsi Gabbard, Kristi Noem, and Byron Donalds.
