broader policy level, arguing that it damaged the economy and harmed Trump's re-election chances. He repeatedly encouraged others in the administration to re-open the economy amid the implementation of lockdown and social distancing efforts. As Short and his wife hold stock in various pharmaceutical and medical companies connected with the Pence task force's work, this raised concerns of potential conflicts of interest. On October 24, 2020, it was reported that Short and three other Pence aides had tested positive for COVID-19. The White House tried to prevent the information from becoming public. In the aftermath of Trump's loss in the 2020 presidential election, the incumbent pressured vice-president Pence to reject State electors relying on the fringe theory presented in the Eastman memos. Short requested Jared Kushner's help in reasoning with president Trump. Although in basic agreement about the election outcome, Kushner replied that the vice president “is a big boy,” and if he disagreed with the president on a legal issue, he should bring in his lawyers. Kushner stated “I’m too busy working on Middle East peace right now, Marc.” Short later worked with Pence's legal counsel Gregory Jacob to fortify Pence the constitutional response that he gave in the Joint Session of Congress in the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count. On January 7, 2021, Short stated that Trump had banned him from entering the White House after Pence told lawmakers that he did not have the legal power to reject electoral votes. On January 11, 2021, he helped senior presidential advisor Jared Kushner arrange a reconciliation meeting between vice-president Pence and president Donald Trump. Advancing American Freedom Advancing American Freedom was launched on April 7, 2021, as the policy and advocacy organization of former Vice President Mike Pence. The stated aim of Advancing American Freedom is to take America back into the traditional foundations of freedom. The day that Advancing American Freedom was announced, Short was designated as a Co-Chair of the organization, a position he currently holds. Personal life Marc and Kristen Short were married in 1997. They have three children and live in Arlington, Virginia. He is an evangelical Christian. References External links Short at the Reagan Ranch Roundtable, 2010. 1970 births American evangelicals Chiefs of Staff to the Vice President of the United States Christians from Virginia Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign Living people People associated with the 2016 United States presidential election United