On Tuesday, former Vice President Mike Pence addressed Donald Trump’s federal indictment for his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Pence is considered a key witness in the January 6 case due to his close connection with the former president and insight into the events leading up to the insurrection. Trump allegedly pressured Pence to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden‘s win, though Pence refused.
The former vice president has been cooperative in the Justice Department’s investigations into Trump’s role in the Capitol riot and has publicly condemned Trump for his election fraud claims.
“On January 6, former President Trump demanded that I choose between him and the Constitution. I chose the Constitution, and I always will,” said Pence in a statement on Tuesday.
“Today’s indictment serves as an important reminder,” he continued. “Anyone who puts himself over the Constitution should never be president of the United States.”
Despite his disapproval of Trump’s actions, Pence also emphasized the former president’s right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Pence is running against Trump in the 2024 election. He announced his bid in June but has yet to garner more than 3% support in the national polls. Trump, on the other hand, is leading the crowded GOP field by a wide margin, though his ability to stay in the race remains in question.
