Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed his concerns about President Donald Trump’s approach to tariffs and foreign policy in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday. Pence stated that the initial reciprocal tariffs imposed by Trump would be the largest peacetime tax hike on the American people, and he was glad when the president paused most of them.
Pence praised some of Trump’s accomplishments, including securing the southern border and ordering military action against the Houthis in Yemen. However, he criticized the administration’s wavering support for Ukraine and a potential vision for a nuclear deal with Iran.
Regarding trade policies, Pence said that Trump’s current plan to negotiate deals with tariffs on most nations could lead to higher prices for Americans. He emphasized that his previous administration used tariffs as leverage for negotiations but now sees a steady drive toward higher tariffs that would harm jobs in America and consumers.
Pence also criticized Trump’s frequent line about who pays tariffs, stating that the reality is that American companies pay the tariff when importing goods, which leads to higher prices for consumers. He admitted that he probably had reservations about some of Trump’s consumer good tariffs but chose not to speak out publicly.
In terms of foreign policy, Pence expressed concerns about Trump’s approach to Iran and Yemen, advocating for a stronger stance against Iran’s nuclear program and criticizing the gift of a plane from the Qatari royal family. He also questioned Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia and supported additional sanctions against Russia as part of efforts to end Ukraine’s war.
Pence did not rule out the possibility of running for president again but emphasized that he will always stand by his duty to defend the Constitution of the United States. He criticized Trump’s blanket pardon of people charged with participating in the January 6 Capitol riot, believing that those who committed more serious crimes should have been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
As Pence described his relationship with Trump as “friend,” he emphasized the importance of having voices around the president that can offer alternative perspectives and advise him on difficult decisions.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/mike-pence-criticizes-trump-tariffs-key-foreign-policy-issues-watches-rcna206755