The relationship between Donald Trump and Mike Pence, his Vice President, has been a complex one. While Pence has been a loyal supporter of Trump, even in the face of controversy, it seems that the President may have thrown his Vice President under the bus in his final days in office.
What Happened?
On January 6th, 2021, a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential election. During the riots, many people called for Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump from office.
However, Pence did not take this action, and instead certified Joe Biden as the winner of the election. This decision angered Trump, who had been pressuring Pence to overturn the election results for months prior to the riots.
Trump's Response
After the riots, Trump publicly criticized Pence for not supporting his efforts to overturn the election results. In a tweet, he wrote "Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution."
Trump's response to Pence's actions (or lack thereof) is not surprising, given his tendency to turn on his allies when they no longer serve his interests. However, it is concerning that he would publicly attack his own Vice President, who was only following the law and doing his duty.
The Fallout
The fallout from Trump's comments about Pence has been significant. Many Republicans, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, have come out in support of Pence and criticized Trump's behavior.
Additionally, some members of Trump's own administration have resigned following the riots, citing the President's role in inciting the violence. This has only served to further damage Trump's reputation, and may make it more difficult for him to find allies in the future.
The Future of the GOP
Trump's behavior towards Pence has also raised questions about the future of the Republican party. Many members of the GOP have been loyal to Trump throughout his presidency, but his actions over the past few months have caused some to question their allegiance.
It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of Trump's behavior will be on the GOP, but it is clear that the party is at a crossroads. Will they continue to follow Trump's lead, or will they distance themselves from him and try to rebuild their reputation?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Trump's decision to throw Pence under the bus in the aftermath of the Capitol riots is a concerning sign of his willingness to turn on his allies when it suits him. The fallout from his behavior has been significant, and may have long-term implications for the Republican party and American politics as a whole.