Former Vice President Mike Pence, who is seeking the presidency in 2024, stated on Wednesday that it is premature to discuss pardoning former President Trump if he were to be convicted on federal criminal charges related to the classified documents case.
Pence emphasized the seriousness of the charges and expressed that while he cannot defend the allegations, Trump deserves the opportunity to present his defense. He highlighted the significance of the pardon authority and his belief that it is too early to have any conversations about it at this stage.
Pence, who served as Trump’s running mate in 2016, is now competing against the former president in the 2024 Republican primary after their unsuccessful bid for reelection in 2020.
Trump pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 37 counts linked to the alleged mishandling of classified documents following his departure from the White House. No convictions have been made thus far.
Another GOP presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, has pledged to pardon Trump if elected as president. Nikki Haley, Trump’s former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and also a candidate in the 2024 race, expressed inclination toward a pardon but stressed the need to let the trial proceed before making any decisions.
Pence acknowledged the severity of the allegations against Trump while suggesting that politics may have played a role in the indictment. He previously expressed his hope that the Department of Justice would not proceed with the charges and called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to justify the unprecedented indictment.
When questioned about his reluctance to promise a pardon despite suggesting a potential political motivation behind the case, Pence reiterated that it is premature to make judgments and that presidential candidates should not prejudge the facts or ongoing investigations, including those involving President Biden or his family.
He emphasized the importance of allowing the process to unfold and maintaining trust in the judicial system and the rule of law.