Pence Accepts Profile in Courage Award, Defends Constitution

Former Vice President Mike Pence received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his actions on January 6, 2021, when he refused to support former President Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. In his acceptance speech, Pence emphasized the Constitution as the foundation that unites Americans across differences, calling it 'the common ground on which we stand.' His remarks followed a recent interview in which Trump expressed uncertainty about whether due process rights under the Constitution apply equally to citizens and noncitizens, saying, 'I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer.' Pence did not directly mention Trump during his speech but acknowledged divisions within both major parties and reiterated the importance of upholding constitutional principles. The award was presented by the JFK Library Foundation for Pence's courage in ensuring the peaceful transfer of power. The event highlighted ongoing debates over constitutional interpretation and political division in the U.S.