Donald Trump and Mike Pence put stark Republican divide on display

Donald Trump and Mike Pence speak at different events in Washington (AP)

The intensifying rivalry between former US leader Donald Trump and his once fiercely loyal vice president, Mike Pence, was put on stark display as the two gave duelling speeches in Washington on the future of the Republican Party.

Mr Trump, in his first return to Washington since Democrat Joe Biden ousted him from the White House, repeated the false election fraud claims that sparked the January 6 Capitol insurrection, while Mr Pence, in a separate address, implored the party to move on from Mr Trump’s defeat.