Pence accuses Trump of putting his family in danger on Jan. 6

 

          Former Vice President Mike Pence made headlines over the weekend when he spoke out against former President Donald Trump's role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol during the annual Gridiron Dinner. Pence accused Trump of putting his family in danger with his reckless words and actions on that day, solidifying his place in the broader debate within the Republican Party over how to view the attack.

Pence's sharp criticism of Trump came as a surprise to many, given his previous loyalty to the former president. But as Trump continues to spread lies about his election loss and promote conspiracy theories about the attack on the Capitol, it seems Pence has had enough.

In his remarks, Pence said, "President Trump was wrong. I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable." He also joked about Trump's fragile ego and took a shot at him over classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago.

Despite the seriousness of the topic, the Gridiron Dinner is usually a humorous affair, and Pence's jokes drew some criticism, particularly for his comments about Transportation Secretary Buttigieg. But overall, his comments have been praised for their honesty and bravery, as he is one of the few Republicans willing to speak out against Trump and his dangerous rhetoric.

The rift between Trump and Pence is likely to widen in the coming months, as both men prepare to battle for the Republican nomination in next year's election. While Trump has already declared his candidacy, Pence has not yet done so, but he has been laying the groundwork for a potential run.

As the Republican Party continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack and the future of Trump's influence, it's clear that the debate over how to view that day will continue to be a major topic of discussion. Pence's remarks have added an important voice to that debate, and it remains to be seen how his comments will be received by his fellow Republicans and the wider public.