Pence: Trump No Longer Supports Muslim Ban

Mike Pence confirmed on October 6 that his running mate no longer believes that all Muslims should be banned from entering the United States.

When asked on CNN’s “New Day” why he has stopped calling out Trump for the proposed Muslim ban, as he did before becoming the vice presidential candidate, Pence answered that it is “because it’s not Donald Trump’s position now.”

“Donald Trump has made his positions very clear on illegal immigration, on suspending immigration from countries compromised by terrorism, and frankly, I understand why the other side wants to keep bringing up prior statements earlier in the campaign, [but] Donald Trump has said in this campaign that he has regretted the times that he didn’t choose his words well, particularly where it’s created personal pain for people. He’s spoken openly about that,” Pence explained.

The Indiana governor criticized Trump on the Muslim ban and other issues before becoming the vice presidential nominee, saying in December that it was “offensive and unconstitutional” to, as Trump said, enact a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.”

Months later, around the time that Pence was nominated as Trump’s running mate, he supported the ban, saying it was the “right call” and that the proposal was a geographic one, not a religious one, according to the New York Times.

“That’s what Donald Trump and I are calling for now, is to have a temporary suspension of immigration from countries or territories compromised by terrorism, and I believe that’s an appropriate action given the horrendous, horrendous violence that we see,” Pence told Charlie Sykes, a Wisconsin talk radio host, in August.

According to a Pence spokesman, the Indiana Republican was exclusively referring to a temporary ban as the vetting process continues. It would also include safe havens overseas for displaced refugees.

When asked to comment on his previous criticism of his running mate on CNN, Pence responded, “I’m honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him.”

Sources: CNN, New York Times / Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr