Mike Pence responds to praise from transgender former CIA briefer

Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed that he was “heartened” by recent praise from Julia Curlee, a transgender former CIA officer who served as his daily intelligence briefer during the Trump administration.

In an essay for The Atlantic, Curlee described Pence as treating her with “profound respect and dignity” and “great dignity,” noting that he was professional in meetings and even invited her family to the White House. These comments stand in contrast to Pence’s long-standing political record of opposing LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality and transgender military service.

Pence responded to the remarks via CNN, stating that while his conservative values are well-known, he and his wife believe in treating others with decency and respect based on their Christian values. Curlee also noted that Trump administration officials were aware of her gender identity from the beginning of her service.