I'll likely never see eye to eye with Trump: Mike Pence

Former US Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at a Republican dinner in the early voting state of New Hampshire, gave his most extensive comments to date on the events of January 6.

New Hampshire (US): Former US Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday that he wasn’t sure that he and former President Donald Trump would ever see "eye to eye" over what happened on January 6 but that he would "always be proud of what we accomplished for the American people over the last four years".

Pence, speaking at a Republican dinner in the early voting state of New Hampshire, gave his most extensive comments to date on the events of January 6, when angry Trump supporters broke into the Capitol building, some chanting “Hang Mike Pence!” after the vice president said he did not have the power to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory.

Read:9 killed after train rams into railway workers in China's Gansu province

"As I said that day, January 6 was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift action of the Capitol Police and federal law enforcement, violence was quelled," Pence said.

"You know, President Trump and I have spoken many times since we left office. And I don’t know if we’ll ever see eye to eye on that day," Pence continued.

Read:India's contribution to global scientific knowledge helping in COVID-19 prevention: Fauci

It was a rare departure for Pence, who spent four years standing loyally beside his boss amid controversy, investigation and impeachment.

It comes as Pence considers his own potential 2024 White House run and as Republicans, some of whom were angry at Trump in the days after the January 6 insurrection, have largely coalesced back around the former president.

AP