Mike Pence
Mike PenceTNS/ABACA via Reuters Connect

Former US Vice President Mike Pence on the weekend blasted former President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the US Capitol.

“President Trump was wrong,” Pence said on Saturday during remarks at the annual white-tie Gridiron Dinner attended by politicians and journalists, according to The Associated Press. “I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.”

While Pence has been critical in the past of Trump’s conduct on the day of the Capitol riots, his remarks on Saturday were the sharpest condemnation yet of the conduct of his former boss.

“Make no mistake about it, what happened that day was a disgrace,” he said in his Gridiron Dinner remarks. “And it mocks decency to portray it any other way.”

The comments come as Pence is widely believed to be preparing to announce a 2024 presidential bid, challenging Trump who has already announced his candidacy.

Pence recently reiterated that he would make a decision about 2024 “by the spring.” He later declined to say whether he would back Trump if he were to be the Republican presidential nominee in 2024.

“I think we’ll have better choices,” Pence said, adding, “I’m persuaded that no one could have defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016 except Donald Trump, but I think we live in a different time and it calls for different leadership.”

Already in the race, in addition to Trump, is former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Others who could join them include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.