Mike Pence Honored with Profile in Courage Award for January 6th Actions
Former Vice President Mike Pence was bestowed with the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award on Sunday evening, recognizing his pivotal role in upholding the Constitution and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power on January 6, 2021. The award ceremony, held in Boston, Massachusetts, served as a testament to Pence’s unwavering commitment to his constitutional duties, even in the face of immense pressure and personal risk.
Pence’s actions on that fateful day, when a mob of right-wing extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol Building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, have been widely lauded as a defining moment in American history. Despite facing intense pressure from then-President Donald Trump to reject the electoral votes and prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s victory, Pence resolutely refused, adhering to his constitutional obligations and safeguarding the democratic process.
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and former ambassador, presented the award to Pence, emphasizing the significance of his actions. She stated that Pence "put his life, career, and that of his family on the line to execute his constitutional responsibilities," highlighting the immense personal and political costs he faced. Kennedy further asserted that Pence’s actions "preserved the fundamental democratic principle of free and fair elections," underscoring the importance of his decision in maintaining the integrity of the American electoral system.
In his acceptance speech, Pence expressed his deep gratitude for the honor, describing it as "a distinction that I will cherish for the rest of my life." He reflected on the events of January 6th, stating, "I will always believe by God’s grace that I did my duty that day," reaffirming his conviction that he acted in accordance with his constitutional responsibilities and his conscience.
Pence’s decision to uphold the Constitution on January 6th has resonated with many Americans across the political spectrum. In a Fox News Digital interview following the awards ceremony, he shared that he has been "deeply humbled by how many Americans have come up to me and just taken a point to encourage us and support us," adding that it "convinces me that the American people know that whatever differences we may have, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand."
The events of January 6th unfolded after then-President Trump addressed a large rally of supporters near the White House, repeating unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud and a rigged election. Following Trump’s speech, a mob of his supporters marched to the Capitol Building, breaching security barriers and disrupting the congressional certification of the Electoral College votes. Some rioters were even heard chanting "hang Mike Pence," underscoring the danger Pence faced due to his refusal to overturn the election results.
As the Capitol Building was under siege, Pence, his family, and top aides were quickly moved to a secure location by Secret Service agents. Despite the chaos and danger, Pence refused to leave the Capitol, determined to fulfill his constitutional role in overseeing the certification ceremony. After law enforcement officials eventually cleared the Capitol Building, Pence reconvened Congress and presided over the certification of Joe Biden’s victory.
Trump, however, continued to publicly criticize Pence, tweeting that "Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify."
Pence has repeatedly refuted Trump’s assertion that he had the power to overturn the election results, maintaining that his role was purely ceremonial and that he had no authority to reject electoral votes. Despite this, many staunch Trump supporters have not forgiven Pence for his actions, viewing him as a traitor for refusing to assist the former president’s efforts to remain in power.
In June 2023, Pence launched his own presidential campaign, seeking the Republican nomination for the 2024 election. He framed his campaign around traditional conservative values, contrasting himself with what he described as the rise of "populism" within the Republican Party. While Pence garnered some support from the anti-Trump wing of the Republican Party, his campaign struggled to gain traction, and he ultimately suspended his bid in October 2023.
The Profile in Courage Award, named after President Kennedy’s 1957 book of the same name, recognizes public officials who demonstrate principled leadership and take courageous stands, even in the face of political or personal consequences. Previous recipients of the award include former Presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush, and Gerald Ford.
Jack Schlossberg, President Kennedy’s grandson, introduced Pence at the awards ceremony, stating that Pence "saved America that day," emphasizing the significance of his actions in preserving American democracy. Caroline Kennedy also acknowledged her "political differences" with Pence, but emphasized that "political courage is not outdated in the United States," highlighting the enduring importance of principled leadership in American politics.
In a lighthearted moment, Pence, a well-known fiscal and social conservative, quipped about speaking in front of an audience largely composed of Democrats, joking that he was "the minority in this room."
After withdrawing from the presidential race, Pence declined to endorse Trump, even after Trump secured the Republican nomination. However, Trump and Pence shared a brief handshake at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in early January, marking their first public encounter since leaving office.
Since Trump’s return to the White House, Pence has emerged as a prominent Republican voice critical of some of the president’s policies. He has voiced concerns about Trump’s implementation of tariffs, his approach to foreign policy, and his stance on the war in Ukraine.
In his speech on Sunday night, Pence received a standing ovation when he declared that America "must continue to stand with Ukraine" in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. While acknowledging some positive aspects of Trump’s second term, Pence expressed concern that certain actions could undermine the president’s legacy and the success of the Republican Party and the country. He pledged to continue to speak out against policies he believes are detrimental to American interests.
