Former vice president Mike Pence just threw down the gauntlet in his burgeoning feud with his former semi-boss, ex-president Donald Trump.
The erstwhile VP made a statement on Tuesday saying that the former president’s new criminal charges—he was indicted once again on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot—are an “important reminder” that “anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be the President of the United States.” Of course, considering Pence was the second-in-command for Trump when he was president, many are seeing these as fighting words, especially as the ex-Veep mounts his own campaign for the 2024 presidency.
Mike Pence Calls Trump's 2024 Candidacy A 'Distraction' In Light Of New Indictment
Pence further expanded on his thoughts regarding Trump's new federal indictment, saying that while he "will have more to say about the government's case after reviewing the indictment," Trump may be "entitled to the presumption of innocence, but with this indictment, his candidacy means more talk about January 6th and more distractions." In other words: not only does Pence think Trump "[put] himself over the Constitution," but he also feels that his running for re-election in 2024 is a "distraction" from the real matters at hand.
And what are those matters, according to Pence? Apparently the First Son, Hunter Biden.
The former VP said, "As Americans, [Donald Trump's] candidacy means less attention paid to Joe Biden's disastrous economic policies affecting millions across the United States and to the pattern of corruption [of Biden's son, Hunter.]" Pence seems to have been referring to the younger Biden facing recent federal misdemeanor charges regarding his income taxes and a felony charge on illegal firearms possession. Initially, Hunter Biden was expected to reach a plea regarding the charges, but the deal is currently up in the air as the presiding judge reviews the legal details of the case.
Regarding the charges against Hunter, a White House spokesperson recently stated, "The President and First Lady love their son and support [Hunter] as he continues to rebuild his life. We will have no further comment."
Donald Trump Indicted Once Again, This Time For Jan. 6 Riots And Election Controversy
In his newest indictment, former president Donald Trump was charged with 4 criminal counts by a federal grand jury investigation the January 6th Capitol riots and the Trump White House's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, which saw Joe Biden elected as the next president over incumbent Trump.
Trump was charged with 1 count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy against rights, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding. The indictment posits that the former prez was "determined to remain in power" and utilized alleged co-conspirators to "implement a plan to submit fraudulent slates of presidential electors to obstruct the certification" of the election votes.
In a statement the the press after the indictment was announced, investigation head Special Counsel Jack Smith stated that "The attack on our nation's Capitol on January 6th, 2021 was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy. As described in the indictment, it was fueled by lies. Lies by the [defendant, Donald Trump.]"
This latest legal challenge marks the 3rd indictment for Donald Trump, who also faced 2 impeachments during his time in presidential office.
