The New York Times reported that Trump was privately doubting Mike Pence’s loyalty and was thinking of replacing him.
Then Trump heard about it and he’s very unhappy:
The New York Times did a phony story, as usual, about my relationship with @VP Mike Pence. They made up sources and refused to ask me, the only one that would know, for a quote....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 17, 2018
....I can’t imagine any President having a better or closer relationship with their Vice President then the two of us. Just more FAKE NEWS, the Enemy of the People!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 17, 2018
He even said so publicly:
President Trump: "I don't question his loyalty at all. He is 100 percent loyal. It was a phony story. I doubt they had any sources. A typical New York Times phony story. Mike Pence is 100 percent." https://t.co/bLHzgWJsuC pic.twitter.com/NWUqP4STeT
— The Hill (@thehill) November 17, 2018
Here’s what the report said:
President Trump has privately asked aides about his vice president Mike Pence’s loyalty, The New York Times reported Friday.
Trump reportedly questioned Pence’s allegiance so many times that many of his advisers are alarmed, as those kinds of inquiries tend to indicate that he is irritated with someone.
According to the Times, most people within the White House have been supportive of Pence when asked, but some of Trump’s outside advisers have suggested that the vice president may have used up his utility.
Trump has reportedly not made it clear whether he is seriously considering a 2020 ticket change or whether he is simply trying to get advisers’ opinions before the campaign begins.
The Times noted that some outside advisers have suggested outgoing United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley as a potential replacement for Pence. Trump praised Haley when she announced her intentions to leave her post at the U.N. in October.
I mean, frankly, I could see him saying this. I could also see him deny it completely and then later change his mind. So, basically, we know nothing at this point.