Pence needs to realize nobody trusts him.
Former Vice President Mike Pence is distancing himself from the Trump administration by questioning its tariff policies and advocating for free trade as a solution to reduce the cost of goods for Americans.
In a recent exchange, Pence responded to comments made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who defended the administration’s tariff strategy despite its potential to disrupt the economy. During a speech in New York, Bessent argued that “access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American Dream.”
Pence disagreed, taking to social media to share his thoughts on the matter. He acknowledged that tariffs can be effective when used as leverage in negotiations with countries like China, but stressed that the long-term solution lies in free trade. According to Pence, “free trade lowers the costs of goods and improves the quality of life for every American,” a principle he believes is crucial to economic prosperity.
Pence’s remarks come at a time when President Trump has been adjusting his approach to tariffs, including both imposing and reconsidering tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The White House has indicated plans to proceed with reciprocal tariffs on imports starting in April.
This isn’t the first time Pence has diverged from Trump’s policies. Their relationship became strained after Pence refused to support efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Pence has also voiced criticism of other Trump-backed figures, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., over his inconsistent views on abortion.
However, Pence continues to align with Trump on several key issues. He has supported the Trump administration’s tax cuts, often highlighting their positive impact on American families and businesses. Despite their differences, Pence remains committed to the conservative values that unite the Republican Party.