What Role Will Pence Play As Trump's Vice President?

An Indiana political expert says Gov. Mike Pence will likely play an influential role as Donald Trump’s vice president.

Pence served in Congress for six terms before becoming Indiana’s governor, so he understands its inner workings. That’s one of the reasons Trump chose Pence as his running mate.

Director of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics Andrew Downs says Pence’s experience means he’s poised to act as a strong liaison between the White House and Congress.

“That’s the sort of position that, if used properly, could make him a very, very influential person,” Downs says. “It also could be that he simply ends up being the courier or translator between the White House and Congress and he doesn’t end up having much influence in what’s going on.”

The White House is already making intelligence materials available to Trump, Pence and their transition teams.