Mike Pence’s Conservative Agenda in Trump’s Second Term
Former Vice President Mike Pence has positioned himself as a "constructive force" for the conservative agenda during President Donald Trump’s second term, despite their public falling out after the January 6th Capitol riot. Pence maintains that his support of the Trump administration will be based on his principles and not personal allegiances.
Maintaining Conservative Values
Pence’s political advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom, has openly opposed Trump’s newly confirmed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing his support for abortion rights. Pence views this nomination as a departure from the strong pro-life stance held by previous Republican administrations.
Willingness to Challenge Trump
When asked why Republicans might hesitate to oppose Trump publicly, Pence remarked, "I never speculate on motives. I’ve waged lonely battles before. You have to be willing to step out and lead." He hopes that his willingness to challenge Trump will encourage others to do the same.
Encouraging the Conservative Echo Chamber
Advancing American Freedom President Tim Chapman believes that "there is a far stronger echo chamber on the outside that is currently encouraging and sometimes…doing more than encouraging Republicans and outside groups to stay in line with the administration." However, Pence and his team insist that they will not become part of the "Never Trump" movement.
Focus on Long-Standing Conservative Ideals
Pence and his group plan to advocate for increased military spending, deficit reduction, permanent tax cuts, and discouraging tariffs on allies. They believe that these principles have taken a back seat to Trump’s "Make America Great Again" agenda.
Support and Criticism for the Trump Administration
While Pence plans to support the administration on issues he agrees with, he has also been critical of Trump’s foreign policy decisions. He urges Trump to maintain strong alliances and support for Ukraine. Pence also believes that some prominent party members have embraced a more populist ideology, but that the majority of Republican voters remain committed to conservative principles.
Personal Interactions with Trump
Pence attended Trump’s inauguration and reports receiving "outpouring of kind words and expressions of appreciation" from former colleagues. He congratulated Secretary of State Marco Rubio and exchanged a cordial greeting with Trump. Pence also witnessed his wife’s viral moment at President Carter’s funeral, where she declined to acknowledge the Trumps. Pence respects his wife’s actions but emphasizes his focus on moving forward.
Hope for Unity
Despite the past disagreements, Pence maintains hope for reconciliation. He believes that Trump will eventually realize the error in his claims about Pence’s authority on January 6th. Pence and his team aim to be a "constructive force" and believe that their conservative advocacy will benefit the administration, Congress, and the nation.
