Pence says institutions held on Jan. 6 because GOP, Democratic leaders "did their duty"
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Former Vice President Mike Pence in Taipei, Taiwan, earlier this year. Photo: Cheng Yu-chen/AFP via Getty Images
Former Vice President Mike Pence spoke of the importance of the U.S. Constitution in bringing people together as he received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his actions on Jan. 6.
The big picture: The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation bestowed the honor on Pence for resisting pressure from President Trump and others to not certify former President Biden's 2020 election win following the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
- Pence, who was vice president during the first Trump administration, has been ostracized by the Republican Party and its leader, notes Axios' Russell Contreras.
Details: "I will always believe by God's grace, I did my duty that day to support the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States of America," said Pence of his actions on Jan. 6., 2021, prompting applause from those gathered at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Pence said institutions held during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot "because leaders in both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, did their duty."
- He decided to receive the award to give credit where it's due — to Republican and Democratic leaders who came together on Jan. 6 — "but also to say in these divided times, in these anxious days, I know in my heart that we will find our way forward as one nation," Pence said.
- "We all have our differences, but I always believe that there is more that unites us in this country than could ever divide us."
Zoom in: Pence said to forge a future together, people have to find common ground.
- "I hope, in some small way, my presence here tonight is a reminder that whatever differences we may have as Americans, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand," said Pence, who unsuccessfully challenged Trump early in the 2024 Republican presidential race.
- "I believe the Constitution is the foundation on which we can forge a future security and prosperity for all of the American people. ... I know we will forge that future," Pence added.
- "I have faith in the countless Americans who make this country work every day. So should you people who get up every morning, put in an honest day's work, look after their families, do the right thing when nobody's watching and never get a chance for a night like this. I want you to know we see you, we honor you, and we know you are the ones that make America great and always will."
What they're saying: "Vice President Pence put his life and career and that of his family on the line to execute his constitutional responsibilities in his actions," said Caroline Kennedy, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation's honorary president and JFK's daughter.
- "The fundamental democratic principle of free and fair elections."
Context: The JFK Library Foundation gives out the award that's named for a Pulitzer Prize-winning book the late President Kennedy wrote on eight U.S. senators who showed courage as they risked their careers with principled stands for unpopular positions.
Watch the 2025 Profile in Courage Award ceremony, via YouTube:
Flashback: Pence says he won't endorse Trump
