Mike Pence Distances From Trump on Key Policy Issues

Former Vice President Mike Pence delivered a significant address at Chatham House in London today, offering a candid assessment of the United States’ standing globally and reflecting on his tenure in the Trump administration. While expressing enduring pride in the accomplishments of the Trump-Pence era, the former VP also delineated clear policy distinctions between himself and his one-time running mate, Donald Trump, particularly concerning the events of January 6, 2021, foreign policy, and economic tariffs.

Reflecting on the Trump-Pence Years

Pence began his remarks by acknowledging the record of the Trump-Pence administration, stating he remained “proud of the record” achieved during their term. However, he quickly added a poignant caveat: “it didn’t end the way I wanted it to.” This sentiment underscored the dramatic rupture between the two Republican leaders following the 2020 election and the subsequent events at the U.S. Capitol.

A Stance on Duty Amidst Turmoil

The deepest chasm between Pence and Trump emerged from the former Vice President’s refusal to obstruct the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory on January 6, 2021. As rioters, reportedly incited by Trump, stormed the Capitol chanting “hang Mike Pence,” the Vice President stood firm in his constitutional duty. Addressing the London audience, Pence reaffirmed his conviction, declaring, “I will always believe, by God’s grace, that I did my duty that day in January 2021.” His assertion was met with robust applause, highlighting the enduring impact of his actions during that critical moment in American democracy.

Sharp Divergence on Foreign Policy

Pence also sharply diverged from Trump regarding recent controversial statements made during a White House visit by Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Trump had dismissed a reporter’s inquiry about a U.S. intelligence assessment linking MBS to the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S. green-card holder and Washington Post columnist. Trump’s remarks – “things happen” and that bin Salman “knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that” – drew a pointed rebuke from Pence. “I would not have made that statement,” Pence stated without further elaboration, adding that a similar visit during his potential presidency would have unfolded “much differently.” This commentary underscored a fundamental difference in their approaches to human rights and international accountability.

Free Trade vs. Tariffs: A Fundamental Divide

Further illustrating his independent policy stance, Pence critiqued Trump’s inclination towards global tariffs. While acknowledging that tariffs “have a use as a means of facilitating negotiation,” Pence unequivocally stated his belief “in free trade with free nations.” He invoked American history to underscore his point, humorously referencing the “taxes on tea” that sparked the American Revolution. “Those were tariffs,” he reminded the laughing crowd. Pence elaborated that the framers of the 1787 Constitution specifically empowered elected representatives, not a single individual, to impose import duties. “I’m hopeful that our Supreme Court will draw the same conclusion,” he concluded, signaling a potential legal challenge to presidential tariff authority and reiterating his commitment to traditional conservative economic principles.

Source: The Guardian