AceShowbiz - Former Vice President Mike Pence has voiced strong opposition to President-Elect Donald Trump's proposed plan to pardon those involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Amid growing speculation and concern, Pence made his stance clear at The Dispatch's Summit 2024 in Washington, D.C.

"I don't think the president should pardon anyone who assaulted a police officer at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6," Pence stated firmly. This sentiment was echoed throughout his speech, concerned with upholding the rule of law and honoring the commitments made by new office bearers.

Pence and his wife Karen remain prayerful and hopeful that President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect JD Vance will adhere to their oaths of office. "Karen and I are literally praying that President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance will stand on the commitments that they will make when they raise their right hands on that day. And with God's grace and the support of the American people, I believe they will," said Pence.

Pence's resistance to Trump's proposed pardons stems from his experiences during the Capitol riot when threatening chants called for his hanging, and an actual noose was set up. The former vice president took refuge with his family as rioters invaded the Capitol, with Pence under immense pressure from Trump to prevent the certification of the 2020 election results, a demand he resisted.

Reflecting on his term, Pence remarked, "At the end of the day, I'll always believe that, by God's grace, we did our duty to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America." This commitment to protecting constitutional integrity forms the crux of his opposition to any form of clemency for those convicted in relation to the January 6 events.

With approximately 500 individuals serving prison sentences for their roles in the riot, Pence's stance on this issue highlights a key point of contention within the Republican Party as it navigates the aftermath of the 2024 election. Pointing to early efforts by Trump and Vance in their administration, Pence remained cautiously optimistic, "I am very encouraged by the early appointments by the president-elect... I think they're off to a good start."

Among the appointments for Trump's second term are Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff, Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, and Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. This new leadership cadre will undoubtedly face scrutiny and high expectations as they proceed.

The Dispatch Summit, which brought together notable figures from both parties and esteemed journalists, served as a platform for these critical discussions, with other speakers including former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle contributing to the dialogue.