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*October 29, 2023*
**By Kate Sullivan and Kristen Holmes, CNN**
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Former President Donald Trump has called on his former vice president, Mike Pence, to endorse his 2024 White House bid, despite a history marred by controversy. In a speech delivered on Saturday, Trump asserted that Pence should endorse him based on their past association during his successful presidency.
“I chose him, made him vice president. But … people in politics can be very disloyal. I’ve never seen anything like it,” remarked Trump, addressing the loyal crowd of supporters. Pence had earlier dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination, leading Trump to seek his endorsement. Their relationship, once a symbol of unity, soured over disagreements regarding the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.
During the infamous events of January 6, 2021, at the US Capitol, Trump’s public criticism of Pence further strained their association. Trump’s tweets and apparent defense of the threats made against Pence during the insurrection only intensified the rift. Despite Pence’s refusal to bow to pressure, Trump continued to claim Pence had the authority to overturn the election results, a statement widely disputed.
In a bid to garner support, Trump turned his attention to current political issues, particularly focusing on the Israel-Hamas conflict. At the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership summit, he criticized President Biden’s handling of the situation, accusing him of turning a blind eye to rising antisemitism. Trump reaffirmed his support for Israel and condemned pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country.
Furthermore, Trump used the opportunity to discuss his immigration policies, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to counter potential terrorist threats. He advocated for the reinstatement of his travel ban, targeting specific Muslim-majority countries, and proposed revoking visas for individuals sympathizing with organizations like Hamas.
Other Republican presidential hopefuls echoed Trump’s stance at the summit. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley emphasized her unwavering support for Israel, refusing personal vendettas amidst the crisis. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis advocated for canceling visas of students sympathizing with Hamas, aligning with Trump’s strong stance against perceived threats.
While some attendees expressed enthusiasm for candidates like Haley, Trump’s influence remained formidable. Attendees recognized Trump’s brand name and political weight, indicating that despite personal preferences, his nomination was highly probable. Amidst the political fervor, the Republican party stood divided, with varying opinions on the future leadership and direction of the party.
