RINO Mike Pence has publicly ripped President Trump’s sweeping tariff policies, calling them a “massive misstep” that threatens American prosperity and could trigger severe economic consequences.
The growing rift between the former running mates highlights a battle for the soul of conservative economic policy as Pence urges a return to traditional Republican free-market principles.
Pence did not mince words when addressing Trump’s controversial tariff agenda, warning that it could become American history’s largest peacetime tax hike.
“The cause? A massive policy misstep in the form of sweeping tariffs imposed on friend and foe alike. Since the president announced his ‘liberation day’ tariffs, the only thing America has been liberated from is trillions of dollars in investments,” he said.
The former vice president pointed to troubling economic indicators, noting that the U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025—the first downturn in three years.
“Economic warning signs are flashing,” Pence cautioned while urging Trump to reverse course on the sweeping tariffs announced in April.
The tariffs were later suspended for 90 days after markets plummeted.
While critical of Trump’s economic approach, Pence acknowledged his former boss’s remarkable political resurgence, describing it as “a political comeback unrivaled in modern American history.”
He also praised Trump’s immigration efforts and reassertion of American leadership in the Middle East – areas where conservative principles have prevailed.
The tariff debate represents a deeper philosophical divide within Republican economic thinking.
Pence championed targeted tariffs against adversaries like China while maintaining free trade with democratic allies—a position more aligned with traditional conservative economic principles than Trump’s broad approach.
Trump has steadfastly defended his tariff strategy, insisting they are “making us very rich” and addressing longstanding trade imbalances where foreign nations have been “tariffing the hell out of us.”
Meanwhile, the tension between Trump and Pence extends beyond economic policy. Their relationship fractured after Pence refused to support Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, culminating in the January 6 Capitol events.
Pence’s commitment to constitutional principles earned him the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award.
Pence has also voiced concerns about Trump’s approach to Russia and Ukraine, suggesting the administration’s wavering support for Ukraine has emboldened Putin.
The former vice president advocates for maintaining a strong military presence and America’s leadership role on the world stage.
After his unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid, Pence is now teaching political science at Grove City College.
He remains committed to traditional conservative values and continues advocating for extending the tax cuts from his vice presidency to prevent what he warns would be a significant middle-class tax hike if allowed to expire.
For patriotic Americans concerned about economic prosperity and constitutional principles, the Pence-Trump divide offers a crucial moment of reflection about which conservative vision will ultimately strengthen America’s future.
