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Trump: ‘Surprise’ question about Pence’s possible 2024 presidential run led him to hesitate

Washington • President Donald Trump says he hesitated to back a possible 2024 presidential run by Vice President Mike Pence because he was caught off-guard by the question. Given a chance at a do-over, however, Trump still did not endorse his loyal lieutenant.

"You can't put me in that position," Trump said June 14 when a host of Fox News Channel's "Fox and Friends" asked him about endorsing Pence should the vice president seek to succeed Trump in 2024. Pence hasn't explicitly said he'll run in 2024, but is widely expected to.

Offered a chance to explain, Trump told NBC News he hesitated "because it was a surprise question.