Donald Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, criticized former President George H.W. Bush for his apparent support of Hillary Clinton, saying he "respectfully and strongly disagrees" with his voting choice.
Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend, a daughter of Robert Kennedy, said the former president told her about his vote during a Points of Light Foundation event, but his spokesman would not confirm that.
Appearing on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor," Pence said he "holds President Bush in the highest regard" and "respects his opinion, but I respectfully and strongly disagree."
"I'll respect the right of everyone in my party and everyone in this country to make their own choice, but for me and for more and more Americans every day — Republicans, Democrats, and independents — Donald Trump is the right choice and when we make him president, we'll make America great again," Pence added.
Representatives of Donald Trump weighed in on Bush's support of Clinton as well, according to The Hill.
Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson said, "I think it offers vindication for a lot of tea party goers who felt like Republicans were starting to govern as Democrats. The establishment is going to stick with the establishment."
A vote for Clinton by a former Republican president would be an insult to Republican voters, Pierson added. "You have Republicans in record number turn out for Donald Trump and you have former leaders of the party essentially slap them in the face."
Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said that Bush's vote against Trump is a reference to son Jeb Bush's failed presidential run, telling CNN, "I know there are a lot of hurt feelings there."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.