Who expected this?
Former Vice President Mike Pence is set to attend the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, according to sources familiar with his plans. This marks a significant moment, considering the complicated relationship between the two men, especially after the events of January 6, 2021. Pence will join a list of high-profile figures at the ceremony, including current President Joe Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as other distinguished leaders from both sides of the political spectrum.
Due to inclement weather and forecasts of snow and freezing temperatures, the inauguration has been moved indoors to the Capitol. Despite the challenging circumstances, Pence’s attendance signals a degree of reconciliation following the tumultuous events of 2021, when the Capitol was stormed by pro-Trump supporters as Pence was overseeing the certification of the 2020 election results. This event strained the bond between the former president and vice president, as Trump’s supporters accused Pence of not doing enough to overturn the results of the election.
In the months following January 6, Pence moved on to pursue his own political ambitions, launching a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. However, his campaign ended in late October 2023, months before the Iowa caucuses, and he stepped away from the race. Meanwhile, Trump selected Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate for the 2024 election.
The two men’s first public interaction since the Capitol riot took place recently at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, where they briefly shook hands. This small but significant moment suggests a willingness to move past their differences, even if the political divide between them remains sharp.
Mike Pence’s attendance at the inauguration will be a historic occasion, marking a new chapter in his relationship with Trump and the broader Republican Party.
