Pence says he will not endorse former boss Trump in 2024 US election

Pence served Trump loyally but publicly broke with the former Republican president over his role in the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol by Trump supporters.

 FORMER US vice president Mike Pence speaks at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition Spring Kick-off,  in West Des Moines, in April. (photo credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
FORMER US vice president Mike Pence speaks at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition Spring Kick-off, in West Des Moines, in April.
(photo credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

Mike Pence, who served as Donald Trump's vice president for four years, said on Friday he will not endorse his former boss ahead of November's US presidential election.

Pence, who ended his own 2024 presidential campaign amid dismal opinion poll numbers, told Fox News: "It should come as no surprise that I will not be endorsing Donald Trump this year."

Pence served Trump loyally but publicly broke with the former Republican president over his role in the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol by Trump supporters.

Overseeing certification of Biden's 2020 election win

On that day, Pence, who as vice president held the ceremonial role of president of the US Senate, was overseeing the certification of Biden's 2020 election win over Trump.

He refused Trump's instructions to delay or halt the certification, drawing an angry rebuke from Trump during the riot. Some rioters shouted, "Hang Mike Pence."

 Former US Vice President Mike Pence visits the IDF’s Northern Command. January 6, 2023. (credit: IDF)
Former US Vice President Mike Pence visits the IDF’s Northern Command. January 6, 2023. (credit: IDF)

Pence said during his presidential campaign that his life was put in danger that day, and he urged Republican primary voters not to choose Trump as their White House candidate this year. Pence ended his bid for the Republican nomination in October before any primary votes were cast.