Trump rules out Pence as 2024 VP pick, says he 'committed political suicide'

Former President Donald Trump, speaking to the authors of a new book, insisted that he would not tap Mike Pence as his running mate should he mount a 2024 presidential bid.

Trump spoke to the authors of "The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021," a forthcoming book about his presidency slated for release next Tuesday, according to the Washington Examiner.

"It would be totally inappropriate," the former president said. "Mike committed political suicide."

The 45th president generally enjoyed a strong working relationship with his vice president throughout the administration, but the two fell out over the events of Jan. 6 and Pence's refusal to halt the electoral certification process.

"Mike and I had a great relationship except for the very important factor that took place at the end," Trump told the Examiner in March. "We had a very good relationship. I haven't spoken to him in a long time."

Trump told the outlet during that interview that he doubted his supporters would accept Pence's return on the ticket. "I don't think the people would accept it," he said at the time.

Since leaving office, the pair have competed for influence within the party, backing opposing candidates in primary races and offering different visions of the way forward for the GOP.