Pence considers pardoning Trump if convicted federally.

Former President Mike Pence Pushes Back on Pardoning Trump

During an interview this week, former President Mike Pence firmly rejected efforts to get him to commit to pardoning former President Donald Trump in the event of a federal criminal conviction.

Pence made these remarks on the “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” on Wednesday when discussing Trump’s potential indictment on 37 felony counts. These charges include the alleged retention of national defense information, obstruction of investigation, and lying to prosecutors in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation.

Co-host Clay Travis pressed Pence to commit to pardoning Trump, arguing that the charges were politically motivated. However, former Trump Attorney General William Barr, who has defended Trump against other instances of political persecution, has strongly refuted claims that Trump is the victim in this case.

“Well, first off, these are serious charges,” Pence responded. “And as I said, I can’t defend what’s been alleged, but the president does deserve to make his defense. And I would say to each one of you, look, I’ve been a former governor. I’ve actually granted pardons to people and I take the pardon authority very seriously. It’s an enormously important power of someone in an executive position. And I just think it’s premature to have any conversation about that right now.”

Travis criticized Pence’s decision to let the legal process play out before making a decision, accusing him of not showing leadership. In response, Pence challenged Travis, asking if he knew the president’s defense and emphasizing the importance of believing in the judicial process and the rule of law.

Travis took offense to Pence’s remarks, claiming that he was being disrespectful. The exchange between the two grew heated.

Mike Pence refused to answer if he’d pardon Donald Trump on @clayandbuck today. And things got a bit heated as I pressed him on why he wouldn’t answer. Enjoy: pic.twitter.com/VTbzDK6lYR

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) June 14, 2023

Pence expressed his sadness over Trump’s arrest in Miami this week during an interview with Daily Wire host Ben Shapiro.

“I mean, literally, to see a former President of the United States in the dock and face charges in a criminal indictment, I think is deeply discouraging to millions of Americans,” Pence said. “That being said, you know, no one’s above the law. And as Americans, we’re innocent until proven guilty and I had the opportunity to review the indictment over the weekend. And I will tell you, these are serious charges and I can’t defend what is alleged, but the president deserves his day in court.”

Pence also highlighted the years of politicization in the Department of Justice and expressed his belief that politics likely played a role in the case. He pledged to clean house and restore confidence in equal treatment under the law at the DOJ if elected president.