Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly voiced significant disagreements with many of his former boss’s policies, revealing a growing rift with Donald Trump. In a recent interview, Pence didn’t hesitate to express his concerns, stating he scarcely knew where to begin when listing his objections.
One of Pence’s primary criticisms centered on Trump’s proposals to cap credit card interest rates. He argued that such measures, despite good intentions, would ultimately restrict credit availability for average Americans, citing a fundamental understanding of the financial industry.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Pence sharply criticized Trump’s use of tariffs, a policy he previously supported during the 2016 campaign and throughout his vice presidency. He now views them as detrimental to the American economy, effectively functioning as price controls.
Pence went further, directly appealing to the Supreme Court to intervene and “reset the constitutional balance” regarding these tariffs. He argued that tariffs artificially inflate the cost of imported goods, ultimately burdening both American businesses and consumers.
He explained that the traditional support for protectionist policies among labor unions has been unexpectedly reversed under Trump’s leadership, a shift he finds concerning. Pence believes the current tariff approach fundamentally clashes with core conservative principles.
Pence articulated a clear ideological shift in his own political thinking, explaining his move from the Democratic to the Republican party was rooted in a commitment to free market economics and limited government. He sees Trump’s policies as a departure from these foundational principles.
The legal basis for Trump’s tariffs rests on two key pieces of legislation: Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, citing national security concerns, and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, addressing unfair trade practices. Both allow for presidential action without congressional approval.
A pivotal Supreme Court decision regarding the legality of these tariffs is anticipated in the coming weeks, potentially reshaping the landscape of American trade policy and further defining the relationship between the executive branch and Congress.
Pence, seemingly acknowledging his position as an outlier, jokingly compared his situation to “a mosquito in a nudist colony,” highlighting the stark contrast between his views and the prevailing direction of the current political climate.