CNN's King questions taxpayers funding Karen Pence's security while teaching

By Joe Concha - 01/18/19 04:35 PM EST
 

CNN anchor John King asked on Friday if it matters that taxpayer dollars are being used to pay for Karen PenceKaren Sue PencePence to make swing through New Hampshire on eve of primary The Hill's 12:30 Report: Democrats gear up for crucial New Hampshire debate The Hill's 12:30 Report: Democrats turn to obstruction charge MORE's housing and Secret Service protection if the vice president's wife is teaching at a private school that seeks to exclude LGBTQ students and staff members.

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"Does it matter all taxpayers pay for her housing? All taxpayers pay for her Secret Service protection? It's not her fault she needs protection, this is the world we live in. But all taxpayers subsidize her life. Does it matter?" asked King, who anchors "Inside Politics."

"So you mean does her First Amendment freedoms get somehow curtailed because taxpayers pay for her accommodations and security? I don't know that a lot of people would sign on to that," SiriusXM reporter and White House Correspondents Association president Oliver Knox said.

Karen Pence's teaching at Immanuel Christian School in Northern Virginia has come under scrutiny because of its policies excluding gay students and staff. 

Those applying for positions at the school are required to agree that marriage can be only between a man and a woman.

"I am excited to be back in the classroom and doing what I love to do, which is to teach art to elementary students," Pence said in a statement. "I have missed teaching art, and it's great to return to the school where I taught art for 12 years."

Vice President Pence also defended his wife, stating they're "used to the criticism" over their religious beliefs.

Some conservatives took to Twitter to object to King's question.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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