It's no secret that President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have had their differences. From disagreements on policies to varying opinions on how to handle certain situations, their relationship has been rocky at times. However, in recent weeks, Trump has taken his frustrations with Pence to a new level by publicly throwing him under the bus.
What Happened?
The most recent incident occurred on January 6th, when Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the election results. As the chaos unfolded, Pence was presiding over a joint session of Congress to certify the results. Despite pressure from Trump to reject the electoral votes, Pence followed the Constitution and certified Joe Biden as the winner.
Trump was furious with Pence's actions and publicly criticized him on social media. 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." He also called Pence a "pussy" during a rally in front of his supporters.
Previous Incidents
This isn't the first time that Trump has thrown Pence under the bus. In fact, it's become somewhat of a pattern. In the months leading up to the election, Trump criticized Pence for not being tough enough on his opponents during the vice presidential debate. He also blamed Pence for not doing enough to help him win the election.
After the election, Trump put pressure on Pence to overturn the results by rejecting electoral votes from certain states. When Pence refused, Trump reportedly turned on him and even considered replacing him as his running mate for the 2020 election.
Why Is Trump Doing This?
There are a few reasons why Trump may be throwing Pence under the bus. First, he may be trying to shift blame away from himself for the Capitol riot. By blaming Pence, he can make it seem like someone else was responsible for the chaos that ensued.
Second, Trump may be trying to distance himself from Pence in order to boost his own image. With the 2024 election on the horizon, Trump may be looking to position himself as the only true leader of the Republican party. By criticizing Pence, he can make himself look stronger and more in control.
What Does This Mean for Pence?
As for Pence, being thrown under the bus by Trump is certainly not good for his political career. While he has remained loyal to Trump throughout his presidency, he may have a hard time winning over Trump's supporters in the future.
However, Pence may also be able to use this situation to his advantage. By standing up to Trump and following the Constitution, he has shown that he is a principled leader who puts his country first. This could help him win over moderate voters in the future.
Conclusion
Overall, it's clear that Trump and Pence's relationship has hit a new low. Trump's public criticism of Pence is not only damaging to Pence's career, but it also undermines the office of the vice presidency. However, Pence's principled stand during the Capitol riot may help him win over voters in the future. Only time will tell how this situation will play out in the long run.