Mike Pence Dishes on Trump’s Tariffs, Foreign Policy, and Jan. 6 — A Candid Chat
Former Vice President Mike Pence didn’t hold back in a recent sit-down with NBC’s Meet the Press. Airing Sunday, the wide-ranging interview covered everything from tariffs and trade wars to foreign policy and even the January 6 Capitol events. Pence, who served alongside President Donald Trump in his first term, offered a mix of praise and pointed criticism for the former president’s ongoing approach — especially on tariffs and international relations.
Tariffs: A Peacetime Tax Hike?
Right out of the gate, Pence voiced major concerns about Trump’s tariffs — calling them the “largest peacetime tax hike on the American people” in history. This referred to the sweeping tariffs Trump slapped on some of the U.S.’s biggest trading partners back in early April. The idea was to use tariffs as leverage for better trade deals, but Pence warns it may be backfiring.
Key takeaway: Pence believes these tariffs are pushing prices up for everyday Americans.
“When tariffs are imposed, the cost doesn’t fall on other countries — it falls on American consumers who end up paying more,” Pence explained. This contradicts one of Trump’s favorite claims that “other countries pay tariffs.”
Interestingly, after those tariffs went into effect, Trump paused most of them days later — a move Pence said he was “glad” to see. The former VP emphasized that the Trump administration he served in used the threat of tariffs strategically in negotiations, not as a baseline policy.
Pence:
“What I’m seeing now is a steady push toward keeping tariffs around 10%, which I think would hurt American jobs and consumers alike.”
Inside the Trump Administration: Support and Disagreements
While Pence applauded some Trump policies — like securing the southern border in a “historic way” and military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen — he didn’t shy away from pointing out where he sees a shift or weakening.
One big issue? Ukraine.
Pence noted a “wavering support” for Ukraine in Trump’s second term’s first 100 days, which he clearly sees as a step back from the firm stance his administration took.
On Iran, Pence took a hard line, criticizing any deal that would let Iran keep a civilian nuclear enrichment program.
“Allowing Iran to enrich uranium at any level sounds like the Obama-era deal we walked away from in our first year,” Pence told Meet the Press’ Kristen Welker.
He insists the U.S. must make clear that Iran’s nuclear program “must be dismantled or destroyed” — no compromises.
On whether military action should be an option against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Pence was clear:
“Of course. All options should be on the table.”
The Role of Vice President — Loyalty and Influence
When asked about tariffs Trump imposed during his first term, Pence admitted he probably had private reservations but kept them behind closed doors.
“I probably expressed some concerns in the hallways, but the president gets to make the decisions,” he said.
This reflects Pence’s long-held view of the vice presidency: be a trusted advisor in private, but publicly back the president’s decisions — unless there’s some overriding moral obligation.
On his relationship with Trump, Pence was warm but honest.
“President Trump wasn’t just my president — he was my friend,” he said.
Their friendship strained after Pence refused to help overturn the 2020 election results during the Jan. 6 Electoral College count, a move that defined the final chapters of their time together in office.
Regarding Trump’s current VP, JD Vance, Pence stayed diplomatic:
“I’d have a hard time assessing exactly, but he’s an honorable man.”
Foreign Policy: Qatar Gifts and Saudi Speeches
Pence also weighed in on Trump’s current foreign policy moves, sounding alarm bells on some.
One eyebrow-raising story: Trump reportedly considering accepting a plane as a gift from Qatar’s royal family. Pence called this “a bad idea,” implying potential ethical and diplomatic pitfalls.
He was also critical of Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia, without going into too many details, suggesting some missteps or missed opportunities in messaging.
On Russia and the war in Ukraine, Pence didn’t mince words:
“I’ve met Vladimir Putin. The only thing he respects is strength.”
Pence supports tougher sanctions on Russia, even though Trump worries such moves might derail peace talks.
Reflecting on January 6 and Political Future
Pence’s break with Trump over the January 6 Capitol riot remains a defining moment in his post-White House political life. Asked if he’s planning a future presidential run, Pence was blunt:
“I don’t see that in my future.”
He reiterated that Trump was wrong to pardon all those charged in the Jan. 6 events.
“I did my duty that day to defend the Constitution and ensure the peaceful transfer of power,” Pence said.
He made a clear distinction between those who peacefully entered the Capitol and those who broke in, assaulted officers, and committed serious crimes.
“Those individuals should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
What Stands Out?
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Tariffs are a tax on American consumers, not on foreign countries, despite what you might hear. Pence warns that maintaining tariffs at around 10% will hurt jobs and increase prices.
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Private advice vs. public loyalty: Pence views the VP role as giving honest advice behind the scenes but standing publicly behind the president’s decisions — a balancing act that sometimes caused friction.
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Foreign policy should project strength: From Iran’s nuclear ambitions to Putin’s aggression, Pence insists America must stay tough and unwavering.
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January 6 is a red line: For Pence, the peaceful transfer of power isn’t negotiable. The riot and attempts to overturn the election marked a break between him and Trump that reshaped his political standing.
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Looking ahead: No presidential run for Pence on the horizon, but his voice remains influential in GOP conversations — especially on national security and constitutional fidelity.
Why This Matters
Pence’s views reveal ongoing tensions within the GOP as Trump tries to steer his second term and beyond. His critiques offer insight into the internal debates on trade, foreign policy, and the legacy of January 6 — issues that will shape American politics for years to come.
Whether you agree or disagree with Pence, his perspective provides a rare window into the complexities behind the scenes of Trump’s presidency and the evolving Republican Party. It’s clear that tariffs, tough diplomacy, and constitutional order remain hot-button topics that will dominate the next election cycle and beyond.
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