Pence congratulates Trump on 'strong' speech to Congress

Former Vice President Pence on Wednesday congratulated President Trump on a “strong” speech before a joint session of Congress.

“Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on a strong Joint Address to Congress last night,” Pence wrote in a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday.

He praised Trump for expressing “openness to continued negotiations with Ukraine” and for expressing support for U.S. Armed Forces and securing the borders. The former vice president also said it was “welcome news” that the U.S. apprehended someone Trump called a “top terrorist” involved in the 2021 bombing at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate.

“There will be plenty of time for the debate between tariffs, tax cuts and spending but for now, Well Done Mr. President,” Pence added.

Pence’s relationship with his former running mate grew fraught at the end of the Trump's first term, as the president repeatedly pressured Pence to act beyond his constitutionally prescribed ceremonial role in counting electoral ballots to help him sway the 2020 presidential election. Following Trump’s lead, many Republican voters directed their ire at Pence, with some even going so far as calling for his hanging while attacking the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Pence was one of the few major Republican figures not to endorse Trump for president during the 2024 general election.

Pence and Trump spoke for the first time in years at the late President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in January. The brief moment was captured on camera, and Pence described the interaction in an interview later, saying he told the president, “Congratulations, Mr. President,” as he extended his hand. Trump responded, “Thanks, Mike,” according to the former vice president.

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