Mike Pence Wins JFK Courage Award for Jan. 6 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Mike Pence will receive the JFK Profile in Courage Award for refusing to support Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election. The award honors Pence’s decision to uphold the Constitution during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, despite personal and political risks. The ceremony will take place May 4 at the JFK Library in Boston.
Pence to Receive JFK Award – Quick Looks
- Courage Recognized: Pence honored for upholding constitutional duty on Jan. 6.
- Awarding Body: Given by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.
- Ceremony Date: Award will be presented May 4 in Boston.
- Historic Context: Mob stormed Capitol as Pence refused to reject Biden’s win.
- Trump’s Pressure: Demanded Pence overturn election results—he declined.
- Personal Risk: Rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence”; he was rushed to safety.
- Pence Stayed at Capitol: Rejected calls to evacuate, certified Biden’s win.
- Kennedy Family’s Praise: Called his action an act of political courage.
- Pence Responds: Says he’s “deeply humbled and honored” by recognition.
- Legacy of the Award: Honors officials who risk careers to defend principles.
Deep Look
Mike Pence to Receive JFK Profile in Courage Award for Upholding Democracy on January 6
In a move that underscores the weight of his actions on one of the darkest days in modern American democracy, former Vice President Mike Pence will receive the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his role in certifying the results of the 2020 election despite intense political pressure and personal threats. The award, presented annually by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, honors public officials who demonstrate political bravery in the face of significant consequences.
The announcement marks a rare moment of bipartisan acknowledgment in a sharply divided political era. Pence, once a steadfast ally to President Donald Trump, became a target of Trump’s ire—and of violent rioters—after refusing to participate in efforts to overturn the electoral outcome.
“For putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021,” the Foundation stated, “Mike Pence will receive the Profile in Courage Award.”
The Pressure Campaign
In the final weeks of Trump’s presidency, Pence was publicly and privately lobbied to reject the electoral votes from several battleground states based on baseless claims of widespread election fraud. Trump and some of his advisors falsely asserted that the vice president held unilateral power to discard votes—claims repeatedly debunked by constitutional scholars and former Republican officials alike.
Despite relentless pressure from the Oval Office and mounting anger from Trump loyalists, Pence held firm, stating publicly that he had “no unilateral authority” to interfere in the vote count, as his role under the Constitution was “largely ceremonial.”
“I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution,” Pence said. “And I kept that oath on January 6.”
A Day of Violence and Valor
The significance of Pence’s decision came into stark relief as events unfolded on January 6, 2021. A pro-Trump mob, convinced the election had been stolen, stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s win. Some rioters were armed. Many were chanting “Hang Mike Pence” as they surged through the halls of Congress.
Secret Service agents evacuated Pence, along with his wife and daughter, to a secure location as the chaos intensified. Despite the danger, Pence refused to leave the Capitol entirely, insisting on staying nearby until law enforcement cleared the building. Hours later, under tight security, he returned to the Senate chamber to complete the certification process.
This act of resolve, both symbolic and constitutional, was pivotal. It demonstrated to the country and the world that the transfer of power would not be halted by violence or political coercion.
Honoring Courage, Not Partisanship
The Profile in Courage Award has long been reserved for moments of political conscience and integrity, regardless of party affiliation. Named after JFK’s 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage, the award seeks to celebrate elected officials who risk their careers—or safety—for the public good.
Past recipients include Senator John McCain for opposing the use of torture, President Gerald Ford for pardoning Richard Nixon, and Congresswoman Liz Cheney for her stand against election denialism.
In a joint statement, Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s daughter and grandson, praised Pence’s actions as a profound example of democratic principle:
“His decision is an example of President Kennedy’s belief that an act of political courage can change the course of history.”
They emphasized that courage is not always popular, but it is vital in moments when the system of government is under duress.
Pence Reflects on the Honor
In accepting the award, Pence said he was “deeply humbled and honored,” noting that he had long admired President Kennedy and his call for service and moral clarity.
“I have been inspired by the life and words of President John F. Kennedy since my youth,” Pence said. “To be included among those recognized for acts of political courage is a profound privilege.”
Pence has made few public appearances with direct references to January 6 in recent months, especially after distancing himself from Trump while exploring a 2024 presidential bid. The award could now serve as a cornerstone of his legacy and an enduring example of principle over politics.
Political Fallout and Historical Perspective
Pence’s stand came at great personal and political cost. Once hailed as a loyal partner to Trump, he became a pariah among much of the GOP base. He was heckled at conservative rallies, booed at speaking engagements, and labeled a traitor by Trump himself.
Yet historians and democracy advocates have consistently praised his decision as one of the most important acts of constitutional fidelity in recent U.S. history.
“What Pence did was crucial,” said one constitutional law scholar. “He upheld a fragile democratic system when many others were willing to let it fall apart.”
Even critics who disagreed with Pence on policy noted the gravity of his decision and the symbolism of remaining at the Capitol to finish the vote count.
What the Award Represents Today
The decision to award Pence comes amid a broader reckoning over the health of American democracy, with debates raging over election integrity, political extremism, and institutional norms. The JFK Library Foundation’s recognition of Pence is a reminder that even in bitterly divided times, moments of honor and integrity can transcend party lines.
The award ceremony will be held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston on May 4, bringing together past recipients and members of the Kennedy family in tribute to a public servant who, in a moment of grave consequence, chose duty over ambition.
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