Trump mocked as ex-VP Mike Pence set to receive JFK Profile in Courage Award for certifying 2020 election

WASHINGTON, DC: Mike Pence is about to receive an honor that no one saw coming—at least not a few years ago.

The former vice president is set to be awarded the John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his steadfast decision to certify the 2020 presidential election, even as his own party and his former boss, Donald Trump, turned against him.

It’s an award that celebrates political figures who put their careers, reputations, and in some cases, their lives on the line for the greater good, per The Daily Beast.

Mike Pence stood his ground even under threat

Despite immense pressure from Donald Trump and his supporters to overturn the election results, Mike Pence refused to budge. He stayed committed to the constitutional process, even as the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol unfolded.

The JFK Library Foundation—the nonprofit partner to the John F Kennedy Presidential Library—announced on Thursday, April 3, that Pence was chosen for his “extraordinary courage” in ensuring the peaceful transfer of power, even at great personal risk.

The foundation specifically noted that Pence stood firm despite “extraordinary pressure to single-handedly” overturn the election results.

Pence apparently refused even as the Secret Service urged him to evacuate. He stayed inside the Capitol until the insurrectionists were removed and the certification process could resume.

The Profile in Courage Award is presented annually to “public servants for making a courageous decision of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences.”

Past recipients include former presidents Barack Obama, Gerald Ford, and George HW Bush, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Now, Pence is joining their ranks.

The award will be presented on May 4 by Caroline Kennedy and John F Kennedy’s only living grandson, Jack Schlossberg.

Pence said he was “deeply humbled” and “honored” to be recognized, adding that he has been inspired by former president Kennedy since his youth.

A message from the Kennedy family

Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg issued a joint statement, insisting that political courage isn’t dead in America.

"Despite our political differences, it is hard to imagine an act of greater consequence than Vice President Pence’s decision to certify the 2020 presidential election during an attack on the US Capitol," the statement read.

The pair went on to say that Pence's actions embodied John F Kennedy's belief that political courage can "change the course of history".

The timing of this award couldn’t be more interesting. 

Just weeks ago, Trump overhauled leadership at the Kennedy Center as he was unanimously elected as board chairman.

At the time, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fired shots at the institution—declaring that Trump would rebuild it.

"The Kennedy Center learned the hard way that if you go woke, you will go broke," Leavitt said.

Internet hails Mike Pence and trolls Donald Trump

Liberals on social media had a field day with the news. Many saw Mike Pence’s award as a direct jab at Donald Trump and praised the former VP for defying his ex-boss.

"Did I just see that Pence is awarded the JFK profile in courage award???? THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" one posted on X.

"Trump troll of the year goes to the John F Kennedy Foundation. Mike Pence is named as the Profile In Courage Award winner for insuring [sic] the peaceful transfer of power as is his Constitutional duty, despite immense pressure and death threats to throw the certification. Ow!" another wrote.

"Wonderful. I've much respect for Pence's honourable courage, esp given the many death threats from Trump's violent Jan 6 thugs," a third user added.

"Mike Pence even though he looked lovingly at Trump for 4 years he had the courage to say no to him with the country on the line. A profile in courage," a comment read.

"My congratulations to @Mike_Pence. It takes courage to stand up to a manipulative beast like Trump and against his #MAGA horde. As a staunch Democrat, I'm pleased you are being recognized for this," someone else gushed.

"He should! Folks underestimate how much courage that man showed that day. Most people fold to Trump’s temper tantrums, but Pence has principles and morals. I don’t agree with all of them, but they keep him grounded in the truth," another chimed in.

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