Mike Pence Drops Out of 2024 Race; Donald Trump Says ‘He Should endorse Me'



by NOUMAN RASOOL

Mike Pence Drops Out of 2024 Race; Donald Trump Says ‘He Should endorse Me'
Mike Pence Drops Out of 2024 Race; Donald Trump Says ‘He Should endorse Me' © Joe Raedle/GettyImages

In a striking revelation during a rally on Saturday, former President Donald Trump voiced his expectation for an endorsement from his previous second-in-command, Mike Pence. Amidst a bustling event in Las Vegas, Trump seized the moment to address the recent cascade of GOP candidates stepping back from the 2024 presidential race, spotlighting his own prominence in the field.

"People are recognizing the strength of our movement, casting their support in my direction," Trump declared, his tone brimming with confidence. "But what about Mike Pence? It's time for him to join the ranks, to endorse me.

Why? Look back at our tenure – we led a presidency marked by success, and he played a crucial role as the vice president."

Pence's Shift: A Fractured Alliance

Pence, who had been a steadfast supporter of Trump throughout their term from 2016 to 2020, saw a fracture in their alliance when he distanced himself from efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election.

This shift marked a turning point, with Trump noting, "In the political arena, loyalty is, unfortunately, not always a given." Despite these tensions, Pence’s journey in the 2024 presidential race came to a halt as he announced his withdrawal on Saturday.

Addressing attendees at the Republican Jewish Coalition Conference, Pence stated, "The path forward has become clear – now is not my time. With this in mind, I am officially suspending my campaign for the presidency, effective immediately." Pence’s message took on a tone of reflection and gratitude, as he expressed, "Serving this nation has been a profound blessing for my family and me.

While it would be simpler to remain on the periphery, that's not the ethos I live by." Support poured in from various quarters, including from his former GOP rivals. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, took to X—the platform formerly known as Twitter—saying, “Mike Pence stands as a beacon of faith and principle, tirelessly championing the conservative cause.

Casey and I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mike and Karen for their unwavering commitment throughout this campaign, wishing the Pence family nothing but the best in their future endeavors”. As this political chapter closes, the dynamics within the Republican party continue to unfold, with all eyes keenly watching the former president’s next move.

Donald Trump