Donald Trump’s most trusted ally suddenly became dispensable in the weeks after the election, but apparently Mike Pence still can’t get enough of his old boss. We remember not so long ago when “hang Mike Pence” echoed across Pennsylvania Ave.
On January 6th, Trump reportedly went so far as to trash his VP via tweet when he knew Pence’s life was in danger as rioters stormed the Capitol. So, color us curious that the former Vice President is still apparently enamored with Trump. According to CNN, “Pence told a group of conservative lawmakers on Tuesday that he maintains a close personal friendship with former President Donald Trump, while noting that he plans to launch a political organization that will defend their administration’s record over the past four years.“
This was revealed during a meeting Pence had Tuesday with the Republican Study Committee.
According to CNN’s Manu Raju, “Pence harbored no ill will towards Trump over the January 6 riot.” Rep. Jim Banks, a Republican who chairs the Republican Study Committee, told CNN:
“He spoke very favorably about his relationship with President Trump… I got the sense they speak often and maintain the same personal friendship and relationship now that they have for four years.”
Meanwhile, we hear Pence declined an invitation to speak at CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) this week where Trump will be the keynote speaker. The New York Times Maggie Haberman writes: An adviser to Pence says he’s doing what used to be tradition and giving the new White House some breathing room before talking. There is speculation he was also worried he wouldn’t get a warm welcome.