Pence reemerges in South Carolina as he weighs 2024 bid and navigates relationship with Trump
CNN
When Mike Pence underwent heart surgery earlier this month, he had alerted only a few family members and aides beforehand. Several onetime Pence aides were caught off guard when he released a statement that after experiencing "symptoms associated with a slow heart rate" for two weeks, the former vice president had a pacemaker implanted at a Virginia hospital.
Even Donald Trump only learned of the surgery from media reports, according to two people familiar with the matter. The former President later called Pence to wish him a speedy recovery, both people said. The episode is emblematic of the challenge Pence faces as he reemerges onto the political scene with a series of events in South Carolina on Thursday, including his first public speech since leaving office. The former vice president is figuring out how to channel his complicated relationship with Trump into his own distinct political brand.President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to dust off a series of centuries-old laws and legal theories to drive his first-year agenda – particularly on the border and birthright citizenship – hoping history will be on his side when the inevitable legal challenges make their way to the Supreme Court.
Despite the symbolism that might be associated with exploding a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, law enforcement officials said Thursday they were still trying to piece together why a five-time Bronze Star recipient and new father would orchestrate the New Year’s Day blast.
With the start of the 119th Congress on Friday, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott will become the longest-serving Black Senator in the United States. Scott will also serve as the first Black Chairman of a Senate standing committee, leading the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, where he previously served as Ranking Member.