Fact Check: Mike Pence Criticizes Trump for Using Force Against Protesters After Pardoning January 6 Rioters
What We Know
Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump for his actions regarding the January 6 Capitol riot and subsequent use of military force against protesters. In a recent interview, Pence stated, “We simply cannot allow or stand by while people in the midst of protests assault law enforcement officers,” referring to the protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, where Trump deployed military personnel to manage the situation (The Daily Beast). Pence emphasized that he believed Trump was wrong to pardon individuals who assaulted police officers during the January 6 riot, highlighting a perceived hypocrisy in Trump's actions (AP News).
Pence's comments come amid ongoing tensions between him and Trump as both prepare for the upcoming Republican nomination battle. He has been increasingly vocal about his disapproval of Trump’s actions leading up to and during the Capitol riot, stating that Trump “endangered my family” on that day (AP News).
Analysis
Pence's criticisms are grounded in a broader context of political accountability and the rule of law. His remarks about the use of military force against protesters, particularly after pardoning individuals involved in violent acts on January 6, suggest a significant moral and ethical stance. Pence's assertion that “anyone who would ever use violence, whether it be against law enforcement or political violence of any kind, must be condemned universally” reflects a call for consistent accountability across political lines (The Daily Beast).
The reliability of the sources reporting on Pence's statements is generally high. The Associated Press is a well-respected news organization known for its factual reporting, while The Daily Beast, although sometimes critiqued for its editorial slant, provides detailed coverage of political events and statements. Both sources corroborate Pence's criticisms and provide context regarding the political landscape, including Trump's continued support for the January 6 rioters and the implications of his pardons (AP News, The Daily Beast).
However, it is essential to note that Pence's criticisms may also serve his political ambitions as he positions himself within the Republican Party. His remarks could be seen as an attempt to distinguish himself from Trump, especially as he lays the groundwork for a potential presidential run. This context may introduce a degree of bias, as Pence may be leveraging these criticisms to appeal to a broader base within the party that is wary of Trump’s influence.
Conclusion
The claim that Mike Pence criticized Donald Trump for using force against protesters after pardoning individuals involved in the January 6 riot is True. Pence's statements reflect a clear condemnation of both the use of military force against protesters and the pardoning of those who engaged in violence against law enforcement during the Capitol riot. His criticisms are consistent with his previous remarks about the events of January 6 and indicate a significant rift between him and Trump as they navigate their respective political futures.
