On Sunday, February 21, news broke former President Donald Trump would be appearing at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an annual gathering of conservatives.
Shortly thereafter, reports emerged former Vice President Mike Pence—who had been invited to speak at the event—declined.
Mike Pence declines invite to CPAC event where Donald Trump will speak https://t.co/ZXr1dTSgV3— Newsweek (@Newsweek) 1613923551.0
On Twitter, many suspected Pence decided not to attend to avoid giving Trump another opportunity to incite violence against him.
Mike Pence has is declining to appear at this week's CPAC convention, probably because he's afraid Trump will try to have him murdered again— Palmer Report (@Palmer Report) 1613877694.0
Something about not wantin' to speak to people that tried to kill him. https://t.co/vVblv3ulk8— Tea Pain (@Tea Pain) 1613949686.0
Bet in Mike Pence's mind when he was running from people trying to hang him he thought he'd be telling the story at… https://t.co/ujqylISU1s— Schooley (@Schooley) 1614045352.0
Pence's office reached out to several sources giving a more traditional explanation.
An adviser to Pence says he's doing what used to be tradition and giving the new White House some breathing room be… https://t.co/sK5I5eYmTB— Maggie Haberman (@Maggie Haberman) 1613865902.0
Just got of the phone w @Mike_Pence who couldn’t have been more gracious about his support of @CPAC Although he t… https://t.co/GUBjTbEXmV— Matt Schlapp (@Matt Schlapp) 1614034960.0
But most people online were skeptical of Pence's statements.
@mschlapp @Mike_Pence @CPAC @mercedesschlapp Y'all were supporting people who wanted to lynch him. So, I'm guessing… https://t.co/aYuvW2FUQ2— StarlaD😷🐈☕💙🔜🌊 (@StarlaD😷🐈☕💙🔜🌊) 1614037893.0
@maggieNYT My sources are telling me that CPAC couldn't guarantee Pence a panic room.— Michael E. (@Michael E.) 1613865985.0
Hmmmm, what would make Pence turn down speaking at CPAC?— Paula Poundstone (@Paula Poundstone) 1613973470.0
The internet isn't going to forget the January 6 insurrection any time soon.
@Acosta @PamelaBrownCNN The CPAC audience would stone Pence. That lot considers Pence a traitor to the Party.— Tooey (@Tooey) 1613868926.0
I don’t blame Pence for declining the invitation. He probably feared there would be gallows waiting for him at CPAC. https://t.co/cNFnsdZGi8— ShaeLynn 🌊😷 (@ShaeLynn 🌊😷) 1613963644.0
@Newsweek smart, not safe for pence at cpac ✌— Papablue (@Papablue) 1613923941.0
Mike Pence likely still has some bad memories of his former boss.
This is the first time in 18 years Pence will not speak a CPAC— Jack Posobiec (@Jack Posobiec) 1614012036.0
It appears Pence is not attending CPAC. He had a lucky escape on 1/6. Probably afraid Trump won't miss this time.— Boris Trump (@Boris Trump) 1613946496.0
If I was Pence I'd skip a conference room full of people who wanted to kill me #GoodbyeCPAC Mike Pence turns down… https://t.co/uHZPI4vDP9— Nic #VetsResist🇺🇸🏳️🌈 #WinTheFuture (@Nic #VetsResist🇺🇸🏳️🌈 #WinTheFuture) 1613953099.0
CPAC is set to take place on February 25 in Orlando, Florida. It will feature former President Trump's first public appearance since leaving office.
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