Mike Pence Honors Constitution in Courage Award Speech/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former Vice President Mike Pence was honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for upholding the U.S. Constitution during the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. In his speech, Pence emphasized unity through the Constitution and refrained from directly criticizing Donald Trump, though he highlighted key political differences. The award recognizes leaders who act with principle despite political risk.
Pence’s Courage Award Speech: Quick Looks
- Constitutional Defense Honored: Pence awarded for certifying Biden’s win on Jan. 6 despite pressure.
- No Direct Trump Mention: Pence referenced the events but avoided naming Trump in his speech.
- Call for Common Ground: He urged Americans to unite around the Constitution.
- Security Risks Remembered: Pence recalled refusing to leave Capitol during attack.
- JFK Library’s Tribute: The award cited Pence for risking his life and career.
- Caroline Kennedy’s Praise: She said Pence’s actions saved U.S. democracy.
- Contrast with Trump’s Comments: Trump recently questioned due process rights in NBC interview.
- Ongoing Political Divide: Pence reiterated his differences with Trump-era policies on Ukraine, spending, and tariffs.
- Part of a Political Comeback: Pence continues to position himself as a Constitution-first conservative.
- Award Legacy: Past recipients include Presidents Obama, Bush, and Ford.
Mike Pence Honors Constitution in Courage Award Speech
Deep Look
On Sunday, former Vice President Mike Pence took the stage at Boston’s historic John F. Kennedy Presidential Library to accept the 2025 Profile in Courage Award, a prestigious honor recognizing his refusal to help overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and his role in certifying Joe Biden’s victory on January 6, 2021.
In a 10-minute speech that was as much a call to national unity as it was a defense of constitutional order, Pence invoked the founding principles of American democracy, saying,
“The Constitution is the common ground on which we stand. It’s what binds us across time and generations. It’s what makes us one people.”
Though he did not mention former President Donald Trump by name, Pence’s message stood in quiet defiance of Trump’s attempts to subvert the election process — a move that culminated in the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol.
That day, Pence was thrust into a national spotlight when he rejected Trump’s pressure to stop the certification of electoral votes from key swing states. Trump, falsely claiming the election was stolen, pushed Pence to intervene — a role the vice president constitutionally does not have.
As rioters breached the Capitol chanting threats to “hang Mike Pence,” the former vice president was swiftly moved to a secure location with his family and aides. Despite security concerns, he refused Secret Service requests to leave the building, instead staying behind to help finish the ceremonial process of affirming the presidential election.
“By God’s grace, I did my duty that day to support the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States of America,” Pence told the crowd in Boston. “January 6 was a tragic day, but it became a triumph of freedom.”
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, presented the award alongside her son, Jack Schlossberg. She praised Pence for his courage, saying, “At the time I thought Vice President Pence was just doing his job. Only later did I realize that his act of courage saved our government and warned us about what could happen and is happening right now.”
The Profile in Courage Award is named after JFK’s 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book and honors elected officials who act with political or personal integrity despite the risks. Past honorees have included Presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush, Gerald Ford, and members of Congress who voted their conscience during controversial moments in history.
Pence used the moment to also express his continued commitment to traditional conservative values. He acknowledged differences not only with Democrats, but also within his own party. He cited disagreements over tariffs, government spending, and foreign policy, emphasizing his support for Ukraine and America’s global leadership.
“I believe America must stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured,” Pence said.
The timing of the award was also notable. Just hours earlier, an NBC interview aired in which Trump declined to affirm the constitutional guarantee of due process rights to all individuals, stating, “I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer.” The comment drew sharp contrast with Pence’s own message, rooted in legal principle and constitutional loyalty.
Since leaving office, Pence has remained active in Republican politics, positioning himself as a constitutional conservative. His political action committee, Advancing American Freedom, has advocated for limited presidential power and challenged Trump-aligned candidates and policies. Recently, it campaigned against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential appointment to a federal health post.
Pence closed his remarks in Boston by emphasizing the enduring power of America’s founding documents and the strength found in peaceful democratic transition:
“Leaders in both chambers, in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracy’s work under the Constitution.”
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