Donald Trump strongly questioned Mike Pence about his interest in the vice president's job during the 2016 presidential campaign, according to the Washington Examiner.
The Trump-Pence conversation was reported by the Examiner, which attributed the details to a new book, "Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House." The book written by Tom LoBianco is set for release on Sept. 24.
During the campaign, Trump and Pence met in the Indiana governor's mansion.
The book reportedly quotes Trump saying to Pence: "I need killers, I want somebody to fight. Chris Christie calls me nonstop about this job. He calls me every 10 seconds; he'd do anything for this job. He is dying to be vice president. And you, it's like you don't care. I need killers! Do you want this thing or not?"
Pence is said to have replied, "Look, Donald, if you want somebody to be a killer, if you want somebody to be a constant attack dog, I suggest you go find someone else. I'm not that guy. I'm going to enjoy myself; I'm going to be respectful. I'm going to do things with my own style because that's how I'm comfortable."
Trump questioned why Pence was going through the process.
"Well, you're in my home, you tell me," Pence reportedly said. "Your whole family came here to see me. Obviously, the feeling is mutual, right?"
All Trump could say was "Wow."
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.