Former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence was sworn in Friday as vice president, taking office just about a half hour before Donald Trump is sworn in as president.
Pence was something of a surprise choice for the vice presidency, having endorsed Trump’s rival, Sen. Ted Cruz, during the Republican primaries. But Trump met with Pence during his vice presidential search and was impressed, ultimately choosing him over former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who were early Trump supporters.
Pence, who as a former top House Republican is well known to Washington, was seen as a reassuring choice by many in the GOP establishment who had been shocked at the rise of Trump, an unconventional outsider.
Pence, who was sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas, is the nation’s 48th vice president.
