Barrasso declines to criticize Trump for Pence remarks

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) declined to criticize former President Trump’s remarks appearing to defend Jan. 6 rioters who called to hang former Vice President Mike Pence. 

On ABC’s “This Week,” host George Stephanopoulos asked Barrasso about the former president’s comments, made during an interview with ABC News journalist Jonathan Karl for his book “Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show.” 

Trump reportedly said, “No, I thought he was well-protected,” when asked if he was concerned about Pence’s safety on that day, adding “I had heard he was in very good shape,” according to The Washington Post. 

Trump also said the chants of “Hang Mike Pence” were “common sense,” as the vice president was not attempting to halt the certification of the 2020 presidential election. 

When asked about Trump’s comments, Barrasso said Sunday that the Republican Party is more united than ever in opposition to the Biden administration. 

“And I think the more that the Democrats and the press becomes obsessed with President Trump, I think the better it is for the Republican Party. President Trump brings lots of energy to the party. He’s an enduring force,” Barrasso told Stephanopoulos. 

Barrasso also said that Pence was safe during the Capitol riot, adding that in the Senate chamber, he “didn’t hear any of those chants.”

“But you’re not going to criticize President Trump for those views?” Stephanopoulos asked Barrasso. 

“I don’t agree with President Trump on everything. I agree with him on the policies that have brought us the best economy in our — my lifetime. And I’m going to continue to support those policies and continuing to work to stop what Joe Biden is doing to this country, which I believe is almost irreversibly bad,” Barrasso said. 

.@SenJohnBarasso refuses to give direct answer when pressed by @GStephanopoulos on former Pres. Trump appearing to defend Jan. 6 rioters who chanted “hang Mike Pence” in interview with @JonKarl, says: “The Republican Party is incredibly united right now.” https://t.co/Rr8tytJhBL pic.twitter.com/DwJPLvu2vm

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) November 14, 2021