Here’s what Pence had to say.
Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, former Vice President Mike Pence shared a thought-provoking tweet on Sunday, referencing a well-known biblical passage that emphasizes the value of humility and repentance. His tweet, posted on X, read:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
The passage, from the Old Testament, was not explained in Pence’s tweet, but the timing seemed deliberate. With the anniversary of the Capitol riots looming, many speculated that Pence’s words were a reflection on that dark day in 2021 and his subsequent actions. As vice president, Pence faced intense pressure from President Trump and his supporters to reject the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Trump had repeatedly claimed that the election was stolen and called on Pence to “come through” for him.
On January 6, Pence upheld his constitutional duty by certifying the results, despite the massive protests outside. His decision, which was rooted in loyalty to the Constitution, led to chants of “Hang Mike Pence” from rioters storming the Capitol. Pence, who was rushed to a secure location during the attack, later expressed pride in fulfilling his role, despite the backlash from Trump loyalists.
In the years since, Pence has distanced himself from Trump, even declaring in March 2024 that he could no longer support the former president’s agenda, which he felt diverged from the conservative principles they championed during their time in office.
The biblical passage Pence shared, from 2 Chronicles 7:14, is often seen as a call to America to return to its foundational values and to seek reconciliation with God. While the full context of the verse speaks to the consequences of sin, Pence’s omission of the first part of the passage, which mentions God sending calamity to the land, likely points to the broader message of healing and restoration.
This verse has resonated with many conservatives over the years, particularly since it was frequently cited during and after the 2016 election. In times of division, it serves as a reminder that humility, repentance, and prayer are crucial for national healing. Whether Pence’s tweet was a direct commentary on January 6 or a broader reflection on America’s moral state, it certainly sparked conversation about the need for humility in our national dialogue.
As President Joe Biden marked the anniversary with praise for law enforcement and a call for the nation to never take peaceful transitions of power for granted, the divide between political leaders and their approaches to the Capitol riot remains clear. Meanwhile, former President Trump, who has hinted at issuing pardons to those convicted for their roles in the January 6 attack, continues to energize his supporters with promises of reprieve and accountability for those involved in the investigation.
For many Republicans, Pence’s recent remarks reaffirm a commitment to traditional conservative values, highlighting the importance of upholding the Constitution and the need for humility in the face of national challenges.