Pence Slams Trump’s Pope Feud, Questions US Global Role

Pence Calls Trump’s Pope Remarks Offensive

Former Vice President Mike Pence has spoken out against former President Donald Trump’s past comments and use of AI-generated images that depicted him in a Jesus-like manner. Pence stated that he found both the language and the image offensive.

He believes Trump was right to remove one particular image. Pence also commented on Trump’s ongoing arguments with Pope Francis, saying he welcomed their abatement.

Pence emphasized that the Pope has the right to express himself in ways he believes align with Christian teachings. He added that the President also has the right to express his views and his agenda for Americans. If he were advising Trump, Pence said, he would suggest letting the Pope be the Pope and the President be the President.

Pence on US Leadership and Ukraine Support

The former Vice President also shared his views on America’s role in global affairs, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine. Pence expressed his belief that free nations must continue to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. He has visited Ukraine twice since the conflict began and believes Ukraine has shown courage and innovation.

However, Pence questioned whether the current administration is providing adequate support. He stated his disappointment upon hearing his successor, Vice President Kamala Harris, boast about ending support for Ukraine. Pence sees this as a significant departure from traditional conservative foreign policy.

A Shift in Conservative Foreign Policy?

Pence’s remarks highlight a perceived shift within the Republican Party. He contrasts the current stance with the Cold War-era conservatism, exemplified by Ronald Reagan, which strongly supported freedom in Eastern Europe. Pence feels that some current Republican figures, like JD Vance, lean towards an isolationist view, which he believes is a departure from core conservative principles.

He argued that this new direction is not just a rejection of Reagan’s legacy but also of decades of conservative thought that championed opposing autocracy. Pence feels that the party is moving away from its traditional role as a global leader against authoritarianism.

Pence’s Relationship with Trump and Harris

When asked about his current relationship with former President Trump, Pence mentioned that they do not speak as often as they used to. He did congratulate Trump on his election victory and the First Lady. Despite the reduced contact, Pence feels Trump still listens to and watches his actions.

Pence also revealed that he has never spoken to the current Vice President, Kamala Harris. He noted that Harris is the only other person who has experienced being Donald Trump’s Vice President. Pence’s criticisms of Harris seem to stem from her perceived embrace of an isolationist foreign policy, which Pence opposes.

Broader Implications for the Republican Party

The interview with Mike Pence touches on a fundamental debate within the Republican Party about its future direction. One path is isolationist, as espoused by figures like JD Vance, while the other is the more traditional, neoconservative view of America as a global leader. Pence believes the party can and should return to the latter.

This internal discussion has significant implications for how the US engages with international conflicts and alliances. Pence’s comments suggest he sees himself as representing the traditional conservative values that he believes are being challenged by newer, more inward-looking factions within the party.

What’s Next

As the Republican Party continues to define its foreign policy stance, Mike Pence’s public statements offer a clear articulation of a more interventionist and globally engaged approach. His criticism of isolationist tendencies and his defense of traditional conservative values set a clear marker for the ongoing debate. The upcoming political landscape will likely reveal how influential these differing viewpoints become within the party and on the world stage.

Source: 'I found the language and images offensive': Pence on Trump's feud with the Pope (YouTube)