Former Vice President Mike Pence offered a blunt update on his relationship with President Trump on Wednesday, telling a Detroit TV reporter that it has been “a while” since the two last spoke. The admission came during an interview with FOX2’s Roop Raj at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Pence did not specify exactly when the last conversation occurred, but noted he and Trump shared “a warm exchange” after the 2024 election. The two shook hands and spoke briefly at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in January 2025, and Pence attended Trump’s inauguration just over a week later. It remains unclear which event Pence was referencing in his Wednesday remarks.
The former vice president’s relationship with Trump fractured dramatically after the 2020 election, when Trump pressured Pence to reject the certification of Joe Biden’s victory on January 6, 2021. Pence refused, citing constitutional limits on his role, and was later targeted by rioters who stormed the Capitol chanting “Hang Mike Pence.”
Pence went on to challenge Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination but dropped out months before the Iowa caucuses. He notably declined to endorse either Trump or Kamala Harris in the general election, though he congratulated Trump after his victory.
During the Michigan interview, Pence insisted he and Trump had “a great working relationship” during their four years in office. “It didn’t end the way I wanted it to,” he conceded. “But I’ll always believe, by God’s grace, I did my duty: to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The comment drew applause.
Since leaving the White House, Pence has remained active in conservative politics through his advocacy group Advancing American Freedom, which promotes traditional conservative policies. His forthcoming book, “What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience,” is set for release next week by Center Street.
The distance between Trump and Pence underscores the broader realignment within the GOP. While Trump’s grip on the party remains strong, as seen in recent primary victories and endorsements, figures like Pence represent a more traditional conservative wing that has struggled for influence. In a separate development, Trump recently praised Madison Square Garden owner James Dolan during the Knicks’ playoff run, signaling his continued engagement with high-profile allies outside politics.
Pence’s remarks come as Trump continues to navigate a turbulent political landscape, including a stalled Iran deal and internal party dynamics. The former vice president’s measured tone suggests he is keeping the door open for future cooperation, but the “while” between their conversations may stretch longer still.
