Pence is calling Trump out.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump, suggesting that Trump has strayed from the conservative principles that defined his first term. In an interview with Fox News, Pence warned that America’s foreign policy should avoid any shift towards isolationism, a stance he believes some voices within the Republican Party are beginning to embrace. Pence’s comments come as a reflection of his growing efforts to promote traditional conservative values within the GOP.
The rift between Pence and Trump became most apparent after the 2020 election. Following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, where Trump supporters chanted “Hang Mike Pence” as they stormed the Capitol, the two men’s relationship soured irreparably. Pence, who was in danger that day, has since refused to endorse Trump for the 2024 election, especially after Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 race. Pence’s actions since then, including his outspoken support for pro-life policies and his strong stance on national defense, have made him a figurehead for traditional conservatives who are wary of Trump’s populist rhetoric.
Pence’s nonprofit, Advancing American Freedom, has criticized some of Trump’s policies, pointing out that his administration’s foreign policy direction, including the approach toward China and global influence, has veered from the strong stance they once held. In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Pence’s group emphasized how the first Trump administration’s pro-life achievements and tough stance on China were key successes, but noted that some of those hard-line positions seem to have weakened in recent years.
Speaking on Fox News, Pence underscored the importance of America’s leadership on the world stage. “There have been voices of isolationism emerging in our party,” Pence remarked, signaling that while some may be calling for a pullback from global affairs, he is not yet convinced that it reflects Trump’s true stance. Pence also expressed concern about the Chinese Communist Party’s growing influence, particularly through platforms like TikTok, which he believes poses a significant risk to U.S. national security by gathering data on American citizens.
On the issue of Taiwan, Pence reiterated the need for a firm stance against Chinese aggression. “We ought to have one hand extended in friendship in exchange, and the other hand resting comfortably on the holster of the arsenal of democracy,” he stated, suggesting a policy that balances diplomacy with a readiness to defend allies. In contrast, Trump’s comments on Taiwan have been more cautious, casting doubt on the necessity of U.S. intervention in the event of a Chinese invasion.
Pence’s remarks are seen as part of a broader effort to steer the GOP back toward its conservative roots, in opposition to Trump’s populist approach. While Trump continues to dominate the party, with strong support from his MAGA base, Pence is positioning himself as a defender of traditional conservatism, hoping to influence the Republican Party’s direction ahead of the 2024 election. With Pence’s Advancing American Freedom organization and other like-minded groups, it is clear that the fight for the soul of the GOP will be a defining issue in the coming years.