Latest news with #ProfileinCourageAward
Indianapolis Star
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
What former VP Mike Pence said as he received the JFK Profile in Courage Award
Former Vice President Mike Pence received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power on the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In his remarks at the May 4 ceremony in Boston, Pence described that winter day as starting out "tragic" but ending as a "triumph for freedom." Pence, the former Indiana governor, who served as President Donald Trump's first vice president, publicly split with Trump after refusing to block the certification of the 2020 election, which former President Joe Biden won. After leaving Washington, D.C., Pence launched and ended his own campaign for president in 2023 and has not hesitated to criticize the policies of the current Trump administration. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award has been given out annually since 1989 to "public servants for making a courageous decision of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences." Past winners include former U.S. Sen. John McCain and former President Barack Obama. Here is what Pence said at the 2025 Profile in Courage Award ceremony on May 4. On his actions on Jan. 6, 2021 Pence said he felt "profoundly unworthy" to be associated with the award for his actions on Jan. 6, 2021. "When I think of that fateful day four years ago, the only heroes I saw were wearing uniforms," he said. Pence told the room at the ceremony that he "will always believe" he did his duty that day "to support the peaceful transfer of power under the constitution." "January 6 was a tragic day," Pence said. "But it became a triumph of freedom, and history will record that our institutions held when, after law enforcement secured the Capitol, leaders in both chambers, in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracy's work under the Constitution." On the impact of his family and staff Pence during his remarks thanked members of his family and staff who stood behind him during his career and on Jan. 6, 2021. He highlighted his wife, former Second Lady Karen Pence, and his children and their spouses. He also pointed out "three men who stood by me through that fateful day," his brother and former U.S. Rep. Greg Pence, his former chief of staff Marc Short and his former general counsel Greg Jacob. "If history remembers any of our service, I pray history will remember your indispensable counsel and courage during those fateful days in the life of our nation," Pence said. On David Letterman's presence at the award ceremony Pence joked early in his speech that he and Karen Pence felt some anxiety about the award ceremony, but knowing fellow Hoosier and comedian David Letterman was in the audience helped ease any concerns. "Karen and I thought we might just be a category of two," Pence said. "But then we heard that David Letterman would be here and so there'd be three Hoosiers in the room." On "words of encouragement" since January 6, 2021 Pence thanked both Hoosiers and Americans for "the honor to serve you." "The words of encouragement over the last four years in airports and diners, stopping me on the street, people speaking a word of gratitude from every political background and I've heard over and over again, including through this special evening," Pence said. "Thank you all." Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.
Fox News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Self Deport, Get $1,000
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here's what's happening… -REAL ID 'unnecessary in keeping us safe,' GOP lawmaker says as deadline looms -Former Vice President Mike Pence honored by Kennedy family in receiving the JFK 'Profile in Courage Award' -Senator warns of 'unconstitutional' judicial overreach ahead of SCOTUS showdown FIRST ON FOX: The Department of Homeland Security will front the cost of commercial flights and provide a $1,000 stipend to illegal aliens who opt to self-deport from the United States in a move DHS says will save thousands of dollars. The department says this will be 70% cheaper for American taxpayers, as it currently costs DHS, on average, over $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport someone. DHS told Fox News that paying for aliens to remove themselves, even with the stipend, is anticipated to cost only around $4,500 on average. The stipend would not be paid until it was verified that an individual self-deported. Aliens will use the CBP Home self-deportation app to access this assistance, and DHS expects self-removals, already in the thousands, to ramp up significantly with this announcement…READ MORE FREED PRISONER: Trump meets with American ballerina freed from Russian prison 'NOT ALLOWED': Trump shoots down rumors he will seek 3rd term: 'Not something I'm looking to do' DISORDER IN COURT: Trump questions judges who block deportations of 'criminals, including murderers' 'AUTHORITY TO REGULATE': Trump admin sues Colorado, Denver over 'sanctuary laws,' alleged interference in immigration enforcement KEEPING TRUMP HONEST: Former VP Pence vows to be a 'voice against' Trump when president veers from 'conservative agenda' 'RAPIDLY': Trump fields question about his timeline for judicial nominations: 'We're putting 'em in rapidly' TRUMP'S 16TH WEEK BACK: Trump's 16th week in office to include WH meeting with Canada, ongoing trade negotiations 'SHE IS SO AFRAID': Trump says Mexican president is afraid of cartels after she rejected his offer to send US troops to Mexico LAST CHANCE: Israel says Trump's Middle East visit is the 'window of opportunity' for hostage deal TOTAL CONTROL: Israel approves plan to capture all of Gaza, calls up tens of thousands of reserve troops: report ACROSS THE ATLANTIC: Rwanda 'in discussions' with US to receive deported migrants: report TRUMP CARD: GOP leaders find new major holiday deadline for Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' amid Medicaid, tax divisions 'BRUTAL' PREDICTION: Senate Democrats predicting very rough confirmation hearing for UN ambassador pick Mike Waltz 'LOSING THE BASE': Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene airs frustrations, warns that she represents a 'not happy' Republican base 'WHEELS ARE COMING OFF': GOP rep urges lawmakers to 'right-size' bloated bureaucracy, national debt 'FIRST THEY CAME': Democrat Hank Johnson draws Holocaust comparison while blasting deportations 'RACIAL DISPARITIES': DOJ opens probe after left-wing DA requires prosecutors to consider race in plea deals 'WE DELIVER ON THAT PROMISE': Texas Gov. Abbott signs $1 billion voucher program into law, capping off win for school choice advocates BALLOTS CAST: REAL ID is about to go into effect. Here's how it may impact voting LASTING LEGACY: Cornyn bringing bill to enshrine Trump EO renaming refuge after Jocelyn Nungaray into law FIRST ON FOX: Red state school district hit with complaint to Trump admin alleging unlawful DEI practices MAY 20 DEADLINE LOOMS: Deadline looms allowing left-wing court to select US attorney as state AGs urge confirmation of Trump pick Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mike Pence receives John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who worked alongside President Donald Trump during his first term, received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award on Sunday in Washington. The JFK Library Foundation, which grants the award, selected Pence for 'putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021.' Pence did not spend much time talking about the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol during his acceptance remarks, instead focusing his remarks on the Constitution. 'To forge a future together, we have to find common ground,' he said. '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. It's what binds us across time and generations. ... It's what makes us one people.' Pence called Jan. 6 a 'tragic day (that) became a triumph of freedom' in his speech. 'History will record that our institutions held,' he said. 'Leaders in both chambers, in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracy's work under the Constitution. ... 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.' Former President John F. Kennedy's daughter and grandson, Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg, presented the award. 'At the time I thought Vice President Pence was just doing his job,' said Caroline Kennedy. 'Only later did I realize that his act of courage saved our government and warned us about what could happen and is happening right now.' The Profile in Courage Award honors public servants 'whose actions demonstrate ... qualities of politically courageous leadership.' Presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford have previously received the award. The award is named for a book President Kennedy published in 1957, before he became president. Though Pence refrained from mentioning Trump in his remarks at the award ceremony, he granted Fox News an interview afterward, in which he vowed to 'be a voice' against parts of the current president's agenda that he believes deviate from a traditional conservative agenda. Nevertheless, he praised Trump for winning the presidency in 2024, 'for securing our southern border, for restoring morale and recruitment in our military (and) for taking the fight to the Houthis.' Trump has not yet commented on Pence's reception of the award nor his subsequent remarks. Following former President Joe Biden's election win in 2020, Pence's role was to certify the election results. Pence was criticized by Trump supporters who believed the election was unfair. During the Jan. 6 riots, protesters erected gallows and a noose on the west lawn of the Capitol and chanted 'hang Mike Pence.' '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,' Trump posted on social media as the Jan. 6 riots were ongoing. Pence and Trump's relationship has remained strained since then. Pence criticized Trump in a memoir he released in 2022 for attacking 'those of us who defended the Constitution.' Trump has criticized Pence as well, at one point calling him 'delusional.'
Japan Today
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Former Vice President Pence defends Constitution after getting Profile in Courage Award
Former Vice President Mike Pence acknowledges a standing ovation as he speaks after receiving the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award during a ceremony at the JFK Library, Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) By MICHAEL CASEY Former Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday repeatedly invoked the Constitution and said it is what 'binds us all together' after receiving the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. Pence received the award for his refusal to go along with President Donald Trump's efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. The award recognizes Pence 'for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021,' the JFK Library Foundation said. 'To forge a future together, we have to find common ground,' Pence said. '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. It's what binds us across time and generations. .... It's what makes us one people.' His comments came hours after an interview with Trump aired in which he was asked whether U.S. citizens and noncitizens both deserve due process as laid out in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Trump was noncommittal. 'I don't know. I'm not, I'm not a lawyer. I don't know,' Trump said when pressed in an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker. It was taped Friday at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida and aired Sunday. Pence never mentioned Trump during his 10-minute speech but made several references to the Trump administration. Referencing what he called 'these divided times, in these anxious days,' he acknowledged that he probably had differences with the Democrats in the room but also with his own Republican Party 'on spending, tariffs and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured." Trump pressured Pence to reject election results from swing states where the Republican president falsely claimed the vote was marred by fraud. Pence refused, saying he lacked such authority. When a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, some chanted that they wanted to 'hang Mike Pence.' Pence was whisked away by Secret Service agents, narrowly avoiding a confrontation with the rioters. '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,' Trump wrote at the time on X, formerly Twitter, as rioters moved through the Capitol and Pence was in hiding with his family, aides and security detail inside the building. Pence rejected the Secret Service's advice that he leave the Capitol, staying to continue the ceremonial election certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential victory once rioters were cleared. In describing his role, Pence told the audience that '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.' The Profile in Courage Award, named for a book Kennedy published in 1957 before he became president, honors public officials who take principled stands despite the potential political or personal consequences. Previous recipients of the award include former Presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford. Pence has emerged as one of the few Republicans willing to take on the Trump administration. His political action group, Advancing American Freedom, campaigned against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the nation's health agencies. He's delivered speeches urging the president to stand with longtime foreign allies and posted an article he penned more than a decade ago on the limits of presidential power after Trump claimed that, 'He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.' © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
BreakingNews.ie
05-05-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Leo Varadkar meets Mike Pence after he receives award for January 6th actions
Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar met former US vice president Mike Pence after he received an award for his refusal to go along with Donald Trump's efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. Mr Pence received the John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award on Sunday. Advertisement In a post on Instagram, Mr Varadkar shared a photo from the Kennedy Library in Boston where he posed with his partner Matt Barrett, Mr Pence and former US ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin. He captioned the post: "Was a priviledge to be at the Kennedy Library last night to see Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg present Fmr Vice-President Mike Pence with the Profiles in Courage Award for 2025. It takes real leadership to stand up to your opponents, even more to stand up to your friends." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Varadkar (@leovaradkar) The Profile in Courage Award , named for a book Mr Kennedy published in 1957 before he became president, honours public officials who take principled stands despite the potential political or personal consequences. JFK's daughter Caroline Kennedy, who along with his grandson Jack Schlossberg presented the award, said Mr Pence's actions that day were a reminder that you cannot take democracy for granted. Advertisement The award recognises Mr Pence 'for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan 6, 2021,' the JFK Library Foundation said. 'To forge a future together, we have to find common ground,' Mr Pence said. '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. It's what binds us across time and generations… It's what makes us one people.' Mr Varadkar is currently in Boston after taking up a post as a guest lecturer in Harvard University. Advertisement Mr Varadkar and Mr Barrett previously met Mr Pence during the St Patrick's Day trip to Washington in 2019, when Mr Varadkar was taoiseach. There was some uncertainty prior to the meeting as Mr Pence, a conservative Christian, had been criticised for his views on LGBT issues and his opposition to same-sex marriage. Ireland Varadkar says US is no longer 'reliable political... Read More After Mr Pence had welcomed the couple, Mr Varadkar used his speech to support the LGBT community in the US. I stand here this morning as leader of my country, flawed and human, but judged by my political actions and not by my sexual orientation or my skin tone or my gender or religious beliefs. "And I don't believe my country is the only one in the world where this story is possible. It is found in every country where freedom and liberty are cherished. We are, after all, all God's children." Mr Pence subsequently praised Mr Varadkar for his "inspiring words".
