In a surprising turn of events, former Vice President Mike Pence has accepted an invitation to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
This comes despite the tumultuous relationship between the two, which had been strained following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Sources close to the planning have confirmed that Pence, 65, will be present at the inauguration, marking a significant moment four years after their public fallout.
Pence and Trump’s Bitter Split Over January 6 Attack
Pence’s decision to attend the inauguration follows a dramatic falling out with Trump, which occurred after the Capitol riot.
On January 6, 2021, as Pence presided over the certification of the 2020 election results, Trump pushed for him to reject electoral votes from states won by Joe Biden.
Pence refused, leading to a violent outcry from Trump’s supporters.
The Capitol riot escalated with chants calling for Pence’s execution and the erection of gallows outside the building.
The January 6 House select committee later revealed chilling information, including a claim from a Proud Boys informant that they would have killed Pence if they had found him during the riot.
Pence, however, remained at the Capitol and refused to leave, even hiding in a secure location within the building, determined not to allow the world to see him flee.
Pence’s Political Journey After Leaving Office
Since stepping down from office, Pence has been navigating a challenging political landscape.
He briefly ran against Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination but dropped out in October 2023 after struggling to gain traction.
Despite his time in the race, the two never shared a stage at the debates, as Trump declined to participate in the GOP primary discussions.
Pence did not publicly endorse Trump for the 2024 campaign, nor did he back Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.
Instead, his political action committee funded ads promoting Republican candidates and issues ahead of the election.
A Rare Public Interaction Between Pence and Trump
Despite their strained relationship, Pence and Trump were seen shaking hands during the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025.
This marked the first public interaction between the two men since the fallout from the Capitol riot in 2021.
While Pence has refused to endorse Trump’s campaign, he has expressed well-wishes for the incoming president, offering congratulations and prayers after Trump’s election victory was certified.
Trump’s Administration Moves Forward With New Hires
As Trump prepares for his second term, the transition is already underway.
The Senate is in the process of confirming several of his nominees, and Trump has congratulated the new members of his administration.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised the over 1,000 people who have joined his team, emphasizing their qualifications and the impact they will have on the country.
However, he also took the opportunity to criticize those who had supported him during his first term but later distanced themselves, including former allies like ex-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Vice President Dick Cheney.
Trump’s fiery remarks highlighted his ongoing dissatisfaction with individuals who have either crossed him or supported anti-Trump Republicans, notably calling out figures like Cheney and his daughter, Liz.
In the post, Trump also remarked that Pence had distanced himself from him and did not vote for him in the 2024 election.
Looking Ahead to Inauguration Day
As the stage is set for Trump’s second inauguration, Pence’s presence serves as a symbol of the complicated and evolving relationship between the two men.
While Trump prepares to reclaim the White House, the political world will be watching closely to see how these former partners navigate the challenges of their past and what this reunion might signify for the future of American politics.
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