Former Vice President Mike Pence was honored on May 4, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston with the Profile in Courage Award for his refusal to overturn the 2020 presidential election results despite intense pressure from then-President Donald Trump. Presented by Caroline Kennedy and her son Jack Schlossberg, the award recognizes Pence’s decision on January 6, 2021, to remain in the Capitol and fulfill his constitutional duty to certify Joe Biden’s victory, at considerable personal and political risk. In his remarks, Pence emphasized the Constitution as “the common ground on which we stand” and lauded bipartisan leadership for safeguarding democracy

1. The Profile in Courage Award

The Profile in Courage Award was established by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation to honor public officials who take principled, often unpopular stands at significant personal cost, reflecting the courage chronicled in JFK’s 1957 Pulitzer Prize–winning book of the same name Past honorees include Presidents George H. W. Bush, Barack Obama, and figures such as Rep. Gabby Giffords, highlighting a tradition of recognizing acts of political bravery that transcend party lines 

2. Why Mike Pence Was Selected

• Upholding the Constitution on Jan. 6: Facing direct pressure from President Trump and rioters chanting threats against him (“hang Mike Pence”), he refused demands to reject or delay certified electoral votes, insisting he lacked authority to overturn state-certified results

• Personal and Career Risk: By remaining in the Capitol amid a violent insurrection and defying his running mate’s false fraud claims, Pence exposed himself and his family to threats and potential political ruin 

• Legacy of Constitutional Duty: His choice ensured the peaceful transfer of power and reinforced the vice presidential oath to defend the Constitution above partisan interests 

3. Highlights of the Acceptance Speech

• Constitution as Common Ground: Pence declared the Constitution “a uniting principle for all Americans,” urging that it guide governance in polarized times

• Bipartisan Praise: He credited both Republican and Democratic leaders for “doing their duty” on January 6 to preserve democratic institutions

• Subtle Policy Critiques: While avoiding direct mention of Trump by name, Pence alluded to contentious policies—tariffs and foreign-policy stances—and reaffirmed support for Ukraine and U.S. alliances 

4. Presentation and Ceremony

• Host and Presenters: Caroline Kennedy, honorary president of the JFK Library Foundation, and Jack Schlossberg presented the award, emphasizing that political courage remains “not outdated” in AmericaVenue: The ceremony took place at the JFK Presidential Library auditorium in Boston on May 4, 2025, drawing bipartisan political figures and members of the Kennedy family

• Media Coverage: The event was covered by outlets including Fox News, Politico, Axios, and The Daily Beast, underscoring its national significance and the ongoing rift between Pence and Trump’s faction

5. Reactions and Significance

• Bipartisan Respect: Many observers lauded the award as a powerful affirmation that elected officials must sometimes choose principle over party

• Political Implications: Pence’s distancing from Trump, reinforced by this honor, fuels speculation about his future role in Republican politics and potential presidential ambitions

• Historical Context: By joining past recipients, Pence’s award draws a direct line between his stand on January 6 and the legacies of other leaders who prioritized duty over political expediency

Further Reading

• Official JFK Library Foundation press release on the 2025 award

• Mike Pence’s full acceptance speech transcript (Politico)

• Analysis of the award’s historical significance (Axios) 

This recognition of Mike Pence’s actions underscores the enduring value of constitutional fidelity—even when it conflicts with party loyalty—and highlights the ongoing debate over the responsibilities of public officials in safeguarding democratic norms.