Former Vice President Mike Pence was criticized as being “unworthy of the Presidency” by his former top advisor, who instead supported former President Donald Trump in his candidacy for the 2024 election.
Keith Kellogg, the former National Security Advisor to Pence, said while he respects his former boss’s “service to our Nation” he is disappointed in how he has been acting, specifically in regard to Trump. He cited how Trump “stands apart” from many of the leaders he has worked under, according to a statement posted to Truth Social.
“I’ve worked alongside many leaders in my years of service to this Nation. Among them, President Donald J. Trump stands apart as a figure of unwavering determination, a deep vision for America, and the courage to stand where others wilt.” – General Keith Kellogg pic.twitter.com/eDquxwXfiF
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) August 8, 2023
Kellogg compared the leadership styles of Pence and Trump to one another.
“Where President Trump is bold and unafraid to challenge the status quo, Pence has often chosen the passive route, avoiding confrontation,” Kellogg wrote.
Pence’s “lack of assertiveness” along with an “overreliance on failed political consultants like Marc Short” shows that the former vice president has a “laisse-faire leadership style unworthy of the Presidency,” Kellogg wrote.
“While President Trump has consistently put America first, prioritizing our citizens, our economy, and global standing, Pence’s actions have often seemed more focused on political maneuvering and maintaining his image. This is not what Republican voters want,” Kellogg wrote. “President Trump’s dedication to the prosperity and security of the United States is unwavering, as is his vision for the future.”
Despite being indicted recently for a third time and appearing in federal court in Washington, D.C., for charges relating to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Trump still appears ahead in most polls for the Republican candidates.
A Reuters/Ipsos Survey conducted between Aug. 2-3 showed 47% of voters would support Trump, 13% would vote for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), and 8% would vote for Pence.
A Morning Consult poll conducted between Aug. 4-6 showed Trump receiving 59%, DeSantis with 16%, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy with 8%, and Pence with 6%.