Donald Trump, Mike Pence speak at NCGOP State Convention in Greensboro
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- During a speech Saturday afternoon at the NCGOP Convention, former Vice President Mike Pence both defended and criticized Donald Trump, who he's now running against in the Republican presidential primary.
Pence, like fellow Republicans, expressed concern over a lack of transparency from the Department of Justice in response to a historic indictment against Trump.
"Today, I'm calling on the Attorney General to stand in front of the American people and explain why this is necessary in his words. Attorney General Merrick Garland - stop hiding behind the Special Counsel," said Pence, who accused the Department of Justice of becoming politicized.
Trump is facing federal charges over his handling of classified documents while out of office. Friday, Special Counsel Jack Smith said the case is solely focused on the evidence.
"We have one set of laws in this country and they apply to everyone. Applying those laws, collecting the facts, that's what determines the outcome of an investigation. Nothing more and nothing less," Smith said.
Topics during Pence's speech during the Freedom Luncheon ranged from school choice to military investments. While he highlighted his time in office with Trump, he defended his handling of certifying the 2020 election results.
"The President demanded I choose between him and the Constitution, and I chose the Constitution, and I always will," said Pence.
Like Governor DeSantis the night before, Pence addressed the newly-named Fort Liberty, which President Biden visited Friday.
"We will end the political correctness in the hallways and the Pentagon, and North Carolina will once again be home to Fort Bragg," said Pence, referring to its former name.
Fort Liberty was one of nine military installations whose name was changed. It was previously named after Braxton Bragg, a slaveowner who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Following his speech, Pence declined to answer questions from the media.
WATCH MIKE PENCE FULL SPEECH:
Former President Donald Trump spoke Saturday night at the NCGOP Convention, where he addressed the indictment against him.
"The baseless indictment of me by the Biden administration's weaponized department of injustice will go on as one of the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country," said Trump.
He alleged the charges are politically-motivated, echoing concerns shared by fellow Republicans over the past two days since news broke.
"This vicious persecution is a travesty of justice," said Trump, who has vowed to stay in the race even if he is convicted.
Trump spoke for about 90 minutes, a half-hour longer than anticipated, where he reflected on his time in office and criticized the Biden administration, touching on topics including inflation and immigration.
"We've had tremendous success here. We've won it twice," Trump said of North Carolina.
No Republican has won the White House without carrying North Carolina since Dwight Eisenhower in 1956.
Attendees shared their reactions to Trump's speech.
"It's unimaginable that something like that can even happen in America. Especially when you're talking about the Presidential Records Act, something that can be resolved administratively. I thought the president's remarks tonight were pretty appropriate. And he obviously has strong feelings about it," said Congressman Richard Hudson, who serves as Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Hudson, who traveled with Trump from Bedminster to George to North Carolina, has endorsed Trump for president.
"I thought he covered all the key points that we've been focusing on in the last few days with the indictments, and I think he reassured the crowd he is in this for the long run, "said Steve Woodward, a delegate from Moore County.
WATCH DONALD TRUMP FULL SPEECH:
