Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Mike Pence

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Mike Pence.

Michael Richard Pence is an American politician and lawyer. He was the 48th Vice President of the United States under President Donald Trump, serving from 2017 to 2021. A Republican, he previously served as the 50th Governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017. Prior to his governorship, Pence represented Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013. His career has been marked by a consistent conservative stance on various political and social issues.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1990: Ran Controversial Television Advertisement

During the 1990 congressional campaign, Mike Pence ran a television advertisement featuring an actor in Middle Eastern garb, criticizing his opponent's energy policy.

1999: Gary's Lawsuit Against Gun Manufacturers

In 1999, the City of Gary filed a lawsuit against gun manufacturers and retailers alleging illegal sales of handguns, which was later terminated by Senate Bill 98 signed into law by Governor Pence in May 2015.

2001: Opposed No Child Left Behind Act

In 2001, during his first year in office, Mike Pence opposed President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act.

2002: Statement on Intelligent Design

In 2002, Pence stated in the House of Representatives that he believes "someday scientists will come to see that only the theory of intelligent design provides even a remotely rational explanation for the known universe."

2003: Opposed Medicare Prescription Drug Expansion

In 2003, Mike Pence opposed President George W. Bush's Medicare prescription drug expansion, showcasing his conservative stance.

2013: Signed Law Blocking Local Wage and Benefit Requirements

In 2013, Mike Pence signed a law preventing local governments in Indiana from requiring businesses to offer wages or benefits exceeding federal law mandates.

2013: Defunding Planned Parenthood

In 2013, the Republican-controlled legislature and Governor Pence defunded Planned Parenthood, resulting in Scott County being without an HIV testing center since 2013.

March 2015: Needle Exchanges Approved

In March 2015, well after the HIV outbreak began, Governor Pence allowed at least five counties to open needle exchanges, but he did not lift the state ban on funding for needle exchanges.

May 2015: Bill Signed Stripping Ritz of Authority

In May 2015, Governor Pence signed a bill that stripped Glenda Ritz, the Indiana superintendent of public instruction, of much of her authority over standardized testing and other education issues. The bill also reconstituted the State Board of Education, dominated by Pence appointees.

2015: Repeal of Prevailing Wage Law

In 2015, Mike Pence signed the repeal of an Indiana law mandating construction companies on publicly funded projects to pay a prevailing wage.

August 2016: Incentives Paid to Companies that Sent Jobs Abroad

By August 2016, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, led by Mike Pence, had paid out $8.7 million in incentives to ten companies who sent jobs abroad, despite having approved $24 million in such incentives.

May 2017: Pence Forms Great America Committee PAC

In May 2017, Mike Pence filed paperwork to form the Great America Committee, a political action committee (PAC), while still in office as vice president. He also denied allegations that he would run for president in 2020.

October 8, 2017: Pence Walks Out of NFL Game

On October 8, 2017, Mike Pence walked out of an Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers game after 49ers players knelt during the national anthem. Pence later tweeted that he and President Trump would not dignify events disrespecting soldiers, the flag, or the national anthem, sparking criticism and accusations of a publicity stunt. The estimated cost of Pence's travel on Air Force Two for the event was $242,500.

October 2018: Pence's Speech on China at the Hudson Institute

In October 2018, Mike Pence delivered a speech at the Hudson Institute, accusing China of predatory economic practices, military aggression, and attempting to undermine President Trump. He also alleged Chinese interference in U.S. elections and human rights abuses. The New York Times described the speech as a declaration of a new Cold War.

February 28, 2019: Biden Calls Pence a "Decent Guy"

On February 28, 2019, Joe Biden referred to Mike Pence as a "decent guy" during a speech in Omaha, Nebraska. Biden later faced criticism for the complimentary remark, due to Pence's alleged anti-LGBT positions.

September 1, 2019: Pence Meets with Zelensky in Poland

On September 1, 2019, Mike Pence met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Poland during a delay in U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Pence stated that he raised issues regarding Ukrainian corruption but did not mention Joe Biden.

September 2019: Pence's Stay at Trump's Resort in Ireland

In September 2019, while attending official meetings with the Irish prime minister in Dublin, Mike Pence stayed at President Trump's resort in Doonbeg, 180 miles away. The transportation costs, including limousine service and flights on Air Force Two, totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars.

January 2020: Pence Defends Soleimani Assassination

In January 2020, Mike Pence defended Trump's decision to assassinate Qasem Soleimani, promoting conspiracy theories linking al-Qaeda to Iran. Pence claimed Soleimani assisted the 9/11 terrorists, which drew criticism and was considered unsubstantiated by many experts.

April 2020: Pence Visits Mayo Clinic Without Mask

In April 2020, Mike Pence visited the Mayo Clinic without wearing a face mask, despite the hospital's policy. He defended his actions, stating he needed to look staff "in the eye." He later acknowledged he should have worn a mask.

June 2020: Pence's Misleading Claims About Coronavirus Pandemic

In late June 2020, Mike Pence gave a press briefing with optimistic but misleading claims about the state of the coronavirus pandemic. He argued that case surges were due to increased testing, despite evidence to the contrary, and falsely claimed declining fatalities and that all states were opening up.

December 2020: Lawsuit filed against Pence to overturn election

In December 2020, a federal lawsuit was filed against Pence by Republican congressman Louie Gohmert and others, seeking to grant Pence the power to reject state-certified presidential electors in order to overturn Biden's victory. The lawsuit was later dismissed.

2020: Appointment to Coronavirus Response

In 2020, President Trump appointed Mike Pence to lead the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Trump cited Pence's ostensible experience with managing an HIV epidemic in Indiana, despite the criticism of Pence's delayed response.

2020: Trump's rally and the Capitol storming

On January 6, 2021, during the joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 election results, Trump held a rally in 2020 urging listeners to go to the Capitol, expressing hope Pence would "do the right thing". Many listeners then marched to and stormed the Capitol.

2020: Pence distances himself from Trump's election claims

Since leaving the vice presidency, Pence has distanced himself from Trump's attempts to cast doubt on the 2020 presidential election.

January 6, 2021: Oversaw Certification of Election Results

On January 6, 2021, despite pressure from President Trump to overturn the election results, Mike Pence oversaw the certification of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the winners of the 2020 presidential election.

January 2021: Trump pressures Pence to overturn election

In January 2021, Trump pressured Pence to overturn the election results during the January 6 congressional joint session. Pence maintained that the Constitution did not grant him that power.

2021: Pence supports "parental rights"

In 2021, Pence released a statement expressing support for "parental rights" regarding how teachers treat children with different gender identities, through Advancing American Freedom.

October 2022: Pence condemns "unprincipled populism"

In October 2022, Pence condemned "unprincipled populism" and "Putin apologists" within the Republican Party.

2022: Pence Endorses candidates against Trump's picks

In 2022, Pence separated himself from Trump by endorsing candidates in several Republican primary elections in opposition to the candidate endorsed by Trump.

January 2023: Classified documents found at Pence's home

In January 2023, after classified documents were found at Biden's home, Pence asked his lawyer to search his home, leading to the discovery of classified documents which were then turned over to the FBI. The FBI searched his home on February 10.

February 9, 2023: Pence subpoenaed regarding Capitol attack

On February 9, 2023, it was reported that Pence had been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith regarding the attack on the Capitol.

April 27, 2023: Pence testifies before grand jury

On April 27, 2023, Pence testified before the grand jury, stating, "We'll obey the law, we'll tell the truth."

2023: Pence criticizes Trump regarding January 6

In 2023, Pence criticized Trump regarding the events of January 6, 2021, stating that Trump was wrong to suggest that Pence had the right to overturn the election results and that Trump's words endangered him and his family.