A 20-second embrace

Nancy Pelosi and Mike Pence embraced for roughly 20 seconds before receiving the inaugural Yale Patriot Public Service Award at a closed-door CEO gathering in Washington D.C.

“It lasted surprisingly long, roughly 20 seconds.”

Rivals sitting side by side

Pelosi and Pence sat next to each other at the event, recalling their famous moment behind Trump during his 2020 State of the Union when she tore up his speech.

Award honors country over party

The Yale Patriot Public Service Award was created to honor Americans of both parties who put integrity and devotion to country above party interests. Pelosi received it for Legislative Leadership, Pence for Executive Leadership.

Pence's January 6 stand

Elaine Chao praised Pence for refusing Trump's demand to overturn the 2020 election, saying he kept his oath to protect the Constitution under enormous pressure.

“On January 6, 2021, the Vice President was asked to set aside the Constitution. Under enormous pressure, in circumstances no one should ever face, he kept the oath he had sworn to protect.”

Pelosi's principled leadership

Carla Hills highlighted Pelosi's four decades representing San Francisco, noting she consistently chose policy over politics and her own reelection prospects.

“She takes principled positions. Policy over politics. And policy over her own needs for reelection.”

Business leaders moved to tears

The standing ovations and emotional tributes to Pence and Pelosi provided relief to CEOs wrestling with uncertainty over partisan divisions, war, and AI's impact on jobs.

A vivid reminder of unity

Jay Timmons, CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, called the joint tribute a vivid reminder that America works best when leaders advance the nation's highest ideals together.

“A vivid reminder that our nation is at its best when our leaders work together to advance America's highest ideals.”

Democracy saved by duty

Robert Hormats, a State Department official across five administrations, described Pence and Pelosi as heroes who saved democracy by prioritizing constitutional duty over partisan pressure.

“HEROES WHO SAVED OUR DEMOCRACY THAT DAY.”