Mike Pence hails Trump's Iran strikes, thanks him for turning 'a deaf ear' to GOP isolationists
WASHINGTON, DC: Former Vice President Mike Pence voiced strong support for President Donald Trump following US military strikes against Iran, praising the administration’s approach to foreign policy.
In a Friday, March 20, interview with Fox News, Pence credited Trump with decisive leadership and dismissed criticism from isolationist factions within the Republican Party.
The comments came amid ongoing military tensions in the Middle East and political divisions within the GOP over US involvement abroad. Pence framed the strikes as part of a broader effort to counter threats to American interests.
Mike Pence says Trump showed resolve with Iran operation
Pence said he gives Trump “great credit” for launching military action against Iran, including what has been described as Operation Epic Fury.
He characterized the move as evidence of a strong foreign policy stance, noting that the president was willing to act despite internal party disagreements.
“It’s one of the things I give President Trump great credit for,” Pence said, adding that Trump had demonstrated resolve in confronting Iran directly. He emphasized that the operation reflected a broader Republican consensus on maintaining a strong global presence.
Pence argued that the United States continues to play a central role internationally, stating that “Republicans understand that America is the arsenal of democracy, that we’re the leader of the free world, that we have obligations to lead.”
He also pointed to his experience serving in the administration, saying, “I’ve told people many times, I’m proud of President Trump for making the decision to launch Operation Epic Fury. But I’m not surprised, because the president I serve with is no isolationist.”
The former vice president framed the military campaign as part of a wider strategy to address threats linked to Iran, describing it as a necessary step in protecting US interests and allies.
Mike Pence praises Trump for defying anti-war Republicans
Pence also addressed divisions within the Republican Party, particularly criticism from populist and anti-war voices aligned with the MAGA and “America First” movements.
He noted that “there have been some increasingly loud voices calling for America to pull back from our role as leader of the free world,” adding that “isolationist voices have taken hold in some quarters of the Republican Party.”
“But fortunately, President Trump turned a deaf ear to those voices last year when he struck Iran, and this year, when he launched Operation Epic Fury,” Pence said.
“I think it’s greatly to his credit,” Pence added as he reiterated his support for the administration’s approach.
He said he “couldn’t be more proud of President Donald Trump for making the decision to send our troops directly against an enemy that has literally claimed thousands of American lives, including nearly 1,000 service members.”
He added that Trump has “unleashed the armed forces of the United States to take the fight directly to the source of global” extremism and argued that the conflict must be resolved decisively.
“At the end of the day, the American people understand that this is a fight that we have to win,” Pence said, adding that it would be important “that we finish the threat that Iran has posed to the American people… once and for all.”
