Former Vice President Mike Pence reportedly turned down an invitation to speak at this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference due to continued bitterness between himself and former President Trump. Trump recently announced he will be speaking at CPAC, his first major outing since leaving the White House.
Trump is likely to discuss plans for the future of the Republican Party and say “thank you” to his many supporters, according to Lara Trump.
The Daily Caller reports:
Despite slated appearances by former President Donald Trump, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, and former acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell, Pence will not be in attendance, according to Politico’s Gabby Orr.
Pence wanted to “give the new White House some breathing room before talking,” New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman tweeted.
An adviser to Pence says he's doing what used to be tradition and giving the new White House some breathing room before talking. https://t.co/rKkr0puUP2
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) February 21, 2021
Pence is currently serving as a distinguished visiting fellow at The Heritage Foundation. Pence was reportedly still “bitter” towards Trump due to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, according to Fox News’ Chris Wallace, during which pro-Trump rioters entered the Capitol chanting “hang Mike Pence.”
Some are speculating if Trump will announce any formal plans to run for office in the future. Trump has indicated he will be heavily involved in upcoming races to help conservatives take back majorities in the House and Senate but has remained tight-lipped as to his own political future.
