Pence: Vance Never Called; Criticizes Trump’s Tariffs

Pence Reveals No Contact with Successor Vance, Criticizes Trump Policies

Former Vice President Mike Pence has revealed that he has never spoken with his successor, Senator J.D. Vance, who now holds the position of Vice President in the Trump administration. Pence made these comments during an exclusive interview, where he also voiced his concerns about former President Donald Trump’s economic policies, particularly the use of tariffs.

The interview, conducted by journalist Eugene Daniels, touched upon the future of the Republican Party and Pence’s perspective on its current direction. Pence expressed disappointment that Vance, the only other individual to serve as Vice President under Donald Trump, has not reached out to him. This lack of communication stands in contrast to the usual practice of former and current officeholders connecting.

Pence Questions Vance’s Shifting Stance

Pence noted that Vance was a significant critic of the Trump administration during their four years in office. He acknowledged that people can change their views, but highlighted Vance’s past criticisms as notable. Pence suggested that for Republicans looking ahead, the focus should be on the party’s core ideas rather than just the individuals leading it.

“We haven’t ever spoken,” Pence stated regarding Vance. He added, “I remember the vice president was a pretty strong critic of our administration.” Pence welcomed diverse voices within the Republican Party but implied a need for consistency in principles.

Criticism of Tariffs and Economic Policy

A significant portion of the interview focused on economic policy, specifically Trump’s use of tariffs. Pence credited Republicans in Congress for extending tax cuts, suggesting this action helped the economy avoid further struggles. However, he strongly criticized Trump’s broad-based tariffs, which he argued created economic uncertainty.

Pence’s organization, Advancing American Freedom, challenged these tariffs in court on constitutional grounds. He expressed satisfaction that the Supreme Court overturned the tariffs, stating, “The Constitution is quite clear that taxes originate in the Congress, not by the President.” He described tariffs as a form of tax that founders called imposts.

“The Constitution is quite clear that taxes originate in the Congress, not by the President. And that includes what our founders called imposts, which are tariffs.”
Mike Pence

A Call for Conservative Principles

The interview highlighted a perceived divergence between traditional conservative principles and the direction of the MAGA movement. Pence emphasized his own consistent conservative convictions, which he has held since his time as Governor of Indiana. He suggested that the MAGA movement does not always align with these core tenets.

Daniels noted that Pence’s calm demeanor, even when discussing difficult events like January 6th, reflects his deep-seated principles. This approach contrasts with what he described as the more malleable ideology often seen in the current White House, where dissent is not tolerated once a decision is made.

The Future of the Republican Party

Pence expressed a hope for a different Republican Party to emerge after the current Trump presidency, possibly by 2028. However, Daniels found this outlook difficult to envision given the strong influence of the MAGA movement within the party today.

The discussion also touched upon the idea that many Republicans, particularly those who identify with the George W. Bush or Mitt Romney wings of the party, are looking for a path forward. The interview highlighted the challenges the party faces in reconciling different ideological factions and defining its identity beyond Donald Trump.

Looking Ahead

The interview with Mike Pence provides a candid look at the internal dynamics of the Republican Party and the former Vice President’s views on its future. Pence’s direct criticism of Vance and Trump’s policies signals a potential realignment within conservative politics. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Pence’s commitment to conservative principles and his critique of populist economic policies will likely remain a significant talking point.

Source: 'We haven't spoken': Former VP Pence on VP Vance (YouTube)