Pence says Trump’s second-term agenda has drifted from conservative roots
WASHINGTON: Former Vice President Mike Pence said President Donald Trump’s second administration has moved away from the traditional conservative values that have long defined the Republican Party.
He warned that the shift could have political consequences despite Trump’s enduring popularity among GOP voters.
In an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Pence said the administration has departed from core principles associated with the conservative movement since the era of President Ronald Reagan, including limited government, free-market economics, strong American leadership and opposition to abortion.
Trump remains dominant force within GOP
Despite his criticism, Pence acknowledged Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party, crediting him for maintaining strong support among Republican voters.
He argued, however, that most GOP voters still embrace longstanding conservative ideals and would rally behind candidates who champion lower taxes, reduced regulation, free-market policies and a robust US leadership role on the global stage.
Pence also said many supporters within the Make America Great Again movement remain committed to those traditional principles and would reject policies such as government intervention in business, price controls and broad-based tariffs.
Former vice president criticizes abortion stance
Pence voiced particular concern over what he described as the administration’s retreat from anti-abortion priorities.
He accused federal officials of treating abortion primarily as a state-level issue and criticized the administration for failing to take stronger action to restrict access to abortion medication.
Pence also aimed at the leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services, arguing it has not advanced policies sought by anti-abortion advocates.
Warning for Republicans ahead of elections
The former vice president suggested that Republican electoral success in upcoming contests may depend more on voter concerns about Democratic policies than on confidence in the GOP’s current direction.
While acknowledging disagreements within the Republican Party, Pence argued that Democratic positions on key issues remain far outside the political mainstream and could help Republicans retain control of Congress.
He pointed to the upcoming Texas Senate race as one example of a contest likely to test the competing visions of both parties.
Pence also sharply criticized the Justice Department’s proposed anti-weaponization compensation fund, which could provide payments to individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted by federal authorities.
Calling the proposal a mistake, he urged the administration to abandon it entirely.
The former vice president said the possibility that individuals convicted for their roles in the Jan 6, 2021, Capitol riot could receive compensation was unacceptable, describing the idea as offensive to law enforcement officers and the broader public.
Jan 6 remains a point of division
Pence, who was evacuated from the Capitol during the attack while overseeing certification of the 2020 presidential election results, said he believes most Republicans share his opposition to compensating participants involved in the riot.
He argued that any program that could potentially benefit individuals convicted of assaulting police officers or damaging the Capitol would undermine public confidence and conflict with principles of accountability and justice.
