Former Vice President Mike Pence hit former President Donald Trump for his indictment over his alleged mishandling of classified documents.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Pence expressed concern over Trump’s indictment over “very serious allegations,” which he “can’t defend.” However, he stressed the principle of innocent until proven guilty and said he would wait to make a final judgment until after the court made a final decision.
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Trump was charged with 37 felony counts, including alleged violations of the Espionage Act, to which he pleaded not guilty earlier on Tuesday.
“Having read the indictment, these are very serious allegations. And I can’t defend what is alleged,” Pence said. “But the president is entitled to his day in court, he’s entitled to bring a defense, and I want to reserve judgment until he has the opportunity to respond.”
Despite his disclaimer regarding innocent until proven guilty, Pence contrasted his own stance regarding classified information to that of Trump.
“The suggestion that there were documents pertaining to the defense capabilities of the United States and our allies, our nuclear program, to potential vulnerabilities of the United States and our allies,” Pence said. “Even the inadvertent release of that kind of information could compromise our national security and the safety of our armed forces. And, frankly, having two members of our immediate family serving in the armed forces of the United States, I will never diminish the importance of protecting our nation’s secrets.”
Pence called out the politicization of the Department of Justice, pledging to straighten it out if he is elected.
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“I think millions of Americans are deeply troubled by this indictment, particularly given the fact that Hillary Clinton engaged in very similar behavior in the 2016 campaign and did not face indictment. And we’ve got to have equal treatment under the law in this country,” Pence said. “My bottom line is this: I think the American people have lost confidence in the Department of Justice, not just because of this but because of, really, a long series of abuses that have come to light.”
Pence has taken a more aggressive stance against Trump since announcing his own presidential campaign, going after his former running mate in ads and interviews.
