Latest news with #Pence
Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
All the President's Men: Elon Musk to Mike Pence, 5 friends-turned-foes of Donald Trump
In June and July of 2025, US President Donald Trump and former presidential advisor Elon Musk engaged in a spectacular public feud. It began after Musk resigned from the Trump administration and denounced the president's flagship legislation, the 'One Big Beautiful Bill', as a 'disgusting abomination.' The clash quickly escalated. Musk accused Trump, without evidence, of appearing in unreleased government files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The White House dismissed the claim. Trump retaliated by claiming Musk had 'lost his mind' and threatened to cancel his federal contracts, worth an estimated $38 billion. The episode was dramatic, but not unusual. Donald Trump's White House broke records in more ways than one. Chief among them: the sheer number of people who came and went. Trump's inner circle was more like a revolving door. And as time has passed, many of those who once worked closest with him have become his loudest critics. A 2023 Washington Post article put it plainly stating, 'No president has ever attracted more public detractors who were formerly in his inner circle.' The list includes a vice president, generals, cabinet members, lawyers, spokespeople, campaign aides—many of whom are now openly backing his rivals. In 2024, PBS called it 'a striking chorus of detractors, one without precedent in the modern era.' According to the Brookings Institution, Trump had a 92 percent turnover in his 'A-Team'—the top decision-makers in the White House. No other recent administration comes close. A Harvard Business Review study explains the consequences: every leadership change creates disruption. Too many changes, and there's no time to do meaningful work. Even Mick Mulvaney, Trump's former acting chief of staff, admitted in 2020 that, 'he didn't hire very well.' Mulvaney added that Trump 'did not have experience at running government and didn't know how to put together a team that could work well with him.' 1. Mike Pence – Former Vice President Since Trump had no political or military experience when he took office, Mike Pence, a former congressman and Indiana governor, was brought in to stabilise the White House and navigate Washington. Early media coverage dubbed him Trump's 'chief fixer on Capitol Hill' and 'key to the first 100 days.' But the alliance shattered on January 6, 2021. When Trump asked Pence to block the certification of Joe Biden's election win, Pence refused. Trump attacked him publicly. Rioters stormed the Capitol chanting, 'Hang Mike Pence.' Pence later said, 'Anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution should never be President of the United States.' He also said of Trump's praise for Putin, 'I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal.' In 2024, Pence unsuccessfully ran against Trump in the Republican primary. 2. John Bolton – Former National Security Advisor John Bolton was Trump's third National Security Advisor, serving for 17 months before they split over disagreements on foreign policy, including Iran and North Korea. Trump said he fired Bolton; Bolton insisted he resigned. In his memoir The Room Where It Happened, Bolton called Trump 'erratic,' 'stunningly uninformed,' and 'unfit for office.' He claimed foreign leaders 'think he is a laughing fool.' When Trump returned to power in 2024, he revoked Bolton's security clearance and labeled him a 'very dumb person' and a 'stupid guy.' 3. John Kelly – Former Chief of Staff A retired Marine general, John Kelly served as Trump's longest-tenured chief of staff. He tried to bring structure to a chaotic White House, but later became one of Trump's most pointed critics. He told The New York Times that Trump 'certainly falls into the general definition of fascist, for sure,' and described his leadership style as 'dictatorial,' 'fascist,' and lacking empathy. The Atlantic reported that Kelly repeatedly had to correct Trump when he made references to Hitler's rule as a model for leadership. Trump responded, 'John Kelly is a lowlife, and a bad General, whose advice in the White House I no longer sought, and told him to move on!' 4. Jim Mattis – Former Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis, Trump's first defence secretary, resigned in 2018 over the decision to withdraw US troops from Syria. In his resignation letter, he stressed the importance of alliances, in an apparent rebuke of Trump, but otherwise stayed largely quiet. In 2020, Mattis broke his silence, writing, 'Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people — does not even pretend to try.' He continued, 'Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort.' The Atlantic reported that Mattis and his aides believed Trump had 'limited cognitive ability, and was of generally dubious character.' According to journalist Bob Woodward, Mattis was so alarmed by Trump's potential to launch a nuclear strike against North Korea that he slept in gym clothes and prayed at the National Cathedral. 5. Mark Milley – Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley served as Trump's top military officer, but after the 2020 election and the January 6 attack, he began to speak out. In Woodward's book War, Milley is quoted calling Trump a 'fascist to the core' and 'the most dangerous person to this country.' During his tenure, Milley had placed a call to Chinese leadership, reassuring them that the US would not launch a nuclear strike against Beijing. Trump described these calls as 'an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!' In his final public remarks before retiring in 2023, Milley said the military did not swear an oath to a 'wannabe dictator.' Biden later issued him a pre-emptive pardon in case Trump sought retribution. Milley thanked him, saying he didn't want to spend the rest of his life 'fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights.' Honourable mentions The list doesn't end there. Some of Trump's earliest hires and closest confidantes have since turned on him—some in blunt, unforgettable terms: Rex Tillerson, first Secretary of State: 'His understanding of global history was really limited.' Bill Barr, second Attorney General: 'Someone who engaged in that kind of bullying… shouldn't be anywhere near the Oval Office.' Anthony Scaramucci, briefly Communications Director: 'He is the domestic terrorist of the 21st century.' Cassidy Hutchinson, aide to his final Chief of Staff: 'Donald Trump is the most grave threat we will face to our democracy in our lifetime.' And finally; Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer, who said: 'Donald's an idiot.'
Canberra Times
4 days ago
- General
- Canberra Times
Show me the money: Pope launches Vatican debt campaign
At the end of his noon blessing on Sunday, Leo used the same language about his first steps to say the Peter's Pence fund is "a sign of communion with the Pope and participation with his Apostolic Ministry."
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
Mike Pence Writes Viral Letter To Jan. 6 Rioter
Pamela Hemphill, nicknamed "MAGA granny," was one of many January 6 rioters charged for participating in the infamous Capitol riot back in 2021. Earlier this year, Hemphill went viral for being the only January 6 rioter to "formally refuse and block" Donald Trump's presidential pardon, who offered pardons to every person charged or convicted for their actions on Jan. 6. "Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, rule of law and, of course, our nation...I pleaded guilty because I was guilty, and accepting a pardon also would serve to contribute to their gaslighting and false narrative," Hemphill told the BBC in January. Well, recently, Trump's estranged former Vice President Mike Pence — who was threatened by rioters during January 6 — penned a letter to Hemphill commending her for her decision to reject Trump's pardon and accept legal consequences. Written on June 2, Mike Pence addressed the letter "Dear Pamela": He then went on to speak about his own actions on January 6... And expressed his deep respect for her decision. Some people online expressed their gratitude to Hemphill for her "growth and effort" in admitting her mistakes. While others praised Pence's words: "I probably disagree with most everything that Pence believes, but ok this, I wholeheartedly agree and share his admiration for your principled stance," another person wrote in response to the letter. "This is it right here. My respect for VP Pence continues to grow in the face of others who have compromised (and Pam is to be commended too!)," another person agreed. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Shows your commitment to rule of law': Trump's ex-VP Mike Pence applauds woman who refused pardon for Jan 6 riots
Mike Pence (File Photo) A former Donald Trump supporter who participated in the January 6, 2021 riots at the US Capitol building, has shared a letter from ex-vice president Mike Pence, who applauded her for turning down Trump's presidential pardon . Pence, who was Trump's vice president during the latter's first term in office, told Pamela "Pam" Hemphill that he appreciates her "commitment to the rule of law." "It's been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it," Hemphill, the now-former "MAGA (Make America Great Again) Granny" posted on X, along with the letter. In it, Pence said, "Dear Pamela, I am writing to express my admiration for your decision to refuse a presidential pardon and accept responsibility for your actions on January 6th, which was a tragic day." The Republican further stated that he fulfilled his duty by certifying peaceful transfer of power to the next president and vice president - Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, respectively. He added, "Your honorable decision speaks volume about your commitment to the Rule of Law and I wanted to pass along my genuine respect. I am certain that your willingness to accept responsibility has inspired many Americans by your example of integrity and faith. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo May God bless you and your family with every blessing in the years ahead." Earlier this month, Hemphill, who spent two months in a federal prison and remains on probation for her participation in the violence, told CNN that accepting a pardon would be a 'slap' in the face to Capitol police officers and the rule of law. Trump granted pardon to around 1,500 Capitol building rioters in January, in one of the first actions of his second and final term. In November last year, he defeated Harris to become America's president for a second time. Instead of Pence, the MAGA leader chose JD Vance as his vice president.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pence praises Jan. 6 rioter for rejecting Trump pardon
Former Vice President Mike Pence penned a letter to a woman who rejected a pardon from President Donald Trump for her participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, lauding her 'honorable decision' and reaffirming his own choice to break with Trump and certify the 2020 election results. Pam Hemphill, a self-described 'Ex-MAGA Granny,' was one of over 1,000 rioters Trump pardoned on the first day of his second term. But Hemphill, who had previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol, has since changed course, flipping from one of the president's most ardent supporters to his vocal critic, posting relentlessly about Trump's 'J6 lies' and attacking his policies. She officially rejected her pardon this spring, saying that she did not want to be 'part of Trump's narrative that the DOJ is weaponized.' Hemphill's loud condemnation of the president — and decision to refuse his pardon — appeared to have made its way to Pence, for whom the Jan. 6 attack marked a massive personal turning point as angry mobs of Trump's supporters threatened to hang the then-vice president for certifying the election results confirming Joe Biden as the 2020 election victor. In a letter dated June 2, Pence expressed 'admiration' for Hemphill's choice to reject her Jan. 6 pardon and reiterated his conviction in his own decision to break with Trump that day in order to ensure the 'peaceful transfer of power' entrusted to him as vice president. 'I am writing to express my admiration for your decision to refuse a presidential pardon and accept responsibility for your actions on January 6th,' Pence wrote. 'January 6th was a tragic day, but I will always believe that I did my duty that day to see the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States.' A staffer for Pence's organization Advancing American Freedom confirmed that the former vice president sent the letter. The staffer was granted anonymity to discuss Pence's private correspondence. Pence's decision to certify the 2020 election results became a symbol of rare resistance to Trump from within his own party, which carries even more weight under his second term in which some Republicans say they fear retaliation from the president if they speak out against him. Just on Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has broken with the president on multiple administration policies, including Congress' 'big beautiful bill' and Trump's approach to Iran, invoked Pence's rocky final weeks as Trump's last vice president in a jab at the president. Replying to a post from current Vice President JD Vance hyping up the 'excitement' of his term, Massie wrote 'Ask Mike Pence about his last month,' seemingly referencing Trump's wrath over Pence's election certification. The former vice president's letter was well-received by Hemphill, who shared it on X, along with a heartfelt message. 'It's been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it!' Hemphill wrote alongside a photograph of the letter posted to X on Tuesday night. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
