Mike Pence Watches J.D. Vance Take Oath as Donald Trump's New Right-Hand Man 4 Years After Jan. 6 Fallout

Mar. 15, 2025

Mike Pence attends the swearing-in ceremony for J.D. Vance and Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025.Photo:Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post/Getty; AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post/Getty; AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Mike Pencewatched his replacement,J.D. Vance, take the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Jan. 20, eight years after standing in the same position.

Pence, who served as the vice president duringDonald Trump’s first term, attended the swearing-in ceremony without his wife, former second lady Karen Pence, watching a new right-hand man assume his former office.

Mike Pence at the inauguration ceremony for Donald Trump and J.D. Vance on Jan. 20, 2025.SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty

SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty

Vice President J.D. Vance takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2025.Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty

Kevin Lamarque - Pool/Getty

There remains no evidence that the 2020 election was fraudulent or “stolen.” Pence laterattended Biden’s inauguration— which is customary for outgoing and former presidents and vice presidents — while Trump skipped the event.

Already alienated from his former ally, Pence announced hiscampaign for presidentin 2023. He challenged Trump for the Republican nomination but was unsuccessful.

Mike Pence and Donald Trump shake hands at Jimmy Carter’s funeral on Jan. 9, 2025.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Trump and Pence had theirfirst interaction in four yearsatformer President Jimmy Carter’s funeralon Jan. 9, which was uneventful and polite,Pence shared.

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Vance was namedTrump’s running mateon July 15, 2024, during the Republican National Convention. Before seeking the role of vice president, Vance was a senator from Ohio in his first term.

source: people.com