Former Vice President Mike Pence voiced his disapproval of President Donald Trump’s comprehensive tariff policies on Monday, May 5, cautioning that Americans might soon encounter substantial economic repercussions.
In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Pence indicated that an impending “price shock” and possible shortages could prompt Americans to urge a shift in the White House’s trade strategy.
Pence specifically countered Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that American children might have to cope with fewer toys due to tariff effects. The former vice president told Collins that maintaining toy affordability for children is an integral part of American life.
“I have two grown daughters. I have three small granddaughters. And look, keeping dolls affordable, keeping our kids’ toys affordable, that really is part of the American dream,” Pence said.
The CNN interview occurred at the JFK Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts, where Pence had just received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award for his actions on January 6, 2021. The award acknowledged his decision to resist pressure from Trump to use his constitutional role to attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
Despite describing his relationship with Trump as a “great working relationship” during their administration, Pence now views several of Trump’s current policies as significant departures from what he considered their shared achievements.
Regarding Trump’s tariff strategy, Pence acknowledged fundamental philosophical differences on trade. While the Trump-Pence administration effectively used targeted tariffs against China, he believes the current policy is overly broad.
Pence expressed concerns that the president’s push for broad-based tariffs on both allies and adversaries might lead to policies that fail to specifically address nations exploiting the country’s trade relationships. He warned that such policies could trigger inflation, adversely impacting consumers and ultimately harming the American economy.
He stated his belief in “free trade with free nations,” advocating for engagement with trading partners worldwide to lower trade barriers while adopting a firmer stance against authoritarian regimes.
Pence also voiced serious concerns over the administration’s “wavering support for Ukraine” in its conflict with Russia. He directly challenged Trump’s recent assertion that he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declarations of seeking peace.
Pence emphasized that Putin only responds to strength, telling CNN that the past three years have shown that the Russian leader is not interested in peace but rather aims to control Ukraine. He cited Russia’s delays and excuses regarding the ceasefire agreement Ukraine has accepted as evidence.
Pence highlighted the significance of the situation in Ukraine, asserting his belief that if Vladimir Putin were to seize control of Ukraine, it would only be a matter of time before American troops would be compelled to confront him directly.
Pence did commend some aspects of the current administration, noting a recent agreement allowing the US to access Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for establishing an investment fund, which he said “sends a deafening message to Moscow that America and Ukraine are here to stay.”
The former vice president also criticized Trump’s pardons of January 6 rioters, expressing that he was “deeply disappointed” by Trump’s decision to pardon individuals who participated in violence against law enforcement officers that day. Pence acknowledged the president’s constitutional right to grant pardons but stated that the move “sent the wrong message.”
Pence also disagreed with Trump’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. His concerns stemmed from Kennedy’s support for abortion rights, which Pence finds unacceptable for a Republican administration.
He further expressed apprehension about Kennedy’s history of questioning vaccine safety, particularly amid the ongoing measles outbreak centered in West Texas. He worries about having a health secretary with a history of undermining public confidence in vaccines.
Pence commended efforts to address undocumented immigration. He expressed confidence in Attorney General Pam Bondi and border czar Tom Homan, whom he referred to as a “great lawman.”
When asked about his future plans, Pence indicated that he intends to continue advocating for conservative values, partly to ensure Trump hears arguments that might not be presented within his administration.
