Overview
- Former Vice President Mike Pence publicly argued Sunday that President Trump’s second administration has moved away from Reagan-era conservative goals such as limited government, free markets, American leadership, and the right to life.
- Pence singled out broad tariffs, talk of nationalizing businesses, price controls, and a softer stance toward allies in the Russia‑Ukraine conflict as specific policy departures he opposes.
- He condemned the Department of Justice’s roughly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund as a bad idea and said it is offensive to consider compensating people tied to the January 6 riot, noting the fund is currently tied up in litigation.
- While criticizing those shifts, Pence credited President Trump for securing the border, extending tax cuts, and supporting Israel, and he declined to endorse Trump-backed Texas Senate nominee Ken Paxton.
- Pence is promoting his book What Conservatives Believe, set for release June 2, and multiple outlets have framed his comments as an effort to rally traditional conservatives and force party soul-searching as Republicans head into key elections.