Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Donald Trump’s comprehensive tariff policies on Monday, May 5, cautioning that Americans could face notable economic repercussions.
In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Pence suggested that an impending “price shock” and possible shortages could prompt Americans to call for a shift in the White House’s trade policy.
Pence specifically countered Trump’s recent remarks that American children might have to cope with fewer toys due to tariffs. The former vice president told Collins that maintaining affordable toys is an integral part of American life.
“I have two grown daughters. I have three small granddaughters. And look, keeping dolls affordable, keeping our kids’ toys affordable, that really is part of the American dream,” Pence said.
The CNN interview was conducted at the JFK Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts, where Pence had just received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award for his actions on January 6, 2021. The award acknowledged his choice to resist pressure from Trump to use his constitutional role to attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
Pence noted that while he and Trump maintained what he described as a “great working relationship” during their administration, he now perceives several of Trump’s current policies as diverging significantly from their shared achievements.
Addressing Trump’s approach to tariffs, Pence recognized that they have fundamental differences on trade. He pointed out that while the Trump-Pence administration effectively used targeted tariffs against China, the current policy is too broad.
Pence voiced concerns that the president’s advocacy for broad tariffs on both allies and adversaries might result in policies that do not specifically address countries exploiting the United States’ trade relationships. He added that such policies are likely to cause inflation, adversely affecting consumers and ultimately harming the American economy.
The former vice president stated his belief in “free trade with free nations,” emphasizing that the United States should collaborate with global trading partners to reduce trade barriers while adopting a tougher stance with authoritarian regimes.
Pence also expressed serious concern about what he described as the administration’s “wavering support for Ukraine” in its conflict with Russia. He directly challenged Trump’s recent statement of trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions for peace.
Pence emphasized that Putin only understands strength, telling CNN that the past three years have shown that the Russian leader doesn’t want peace—he wants Ukraine. The former vice president cited Russia’s delays and excuses regarding the ceasefire agreement Ukraine has accepted as proof.
Pence conveyed that the situation in Ukraine held deeper significance for him, underscoring his belief that if Vladimir Putin were to seize control of Ukraine, it would only be a matter of time before Putin crossed a border, compelling American troops to confront him directly.
Pence did commend some aspects of the current administration, noting that a recent deal allowing the US to access Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for establishing an investment fund “sends a deafening message to Moscow that America and Ukraine are here to stay.”
The former vice president also criticized Trump’s pardons of January 6 rioters, expressing he was “deeply disappointed” to see Trump pardon individuals involved in violence against law enforcement officers that day. Pence acknowledged the president’s constitutional right to grant pardons but said the action “sent the wrong message.”
Pence also disagreed with Trump on the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Pence’s concerns stemmed from Kennedy’s support for abortion rights, which he deems unacceptable for a Republican administration.
Pence also expressed concern about Kennedy’s history of questioning vaccine safety, particularly amid the ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas. He worries about having a secretary at HHS with a career of undermining public confidence in vaccines.
Pence praised efforts to address undocumented migration. He expressed confidence in Attorney General Pam Bondi and border czar Tom Homan, whom he called a “great lawman.”
When asked about his future plans, Pence indicated his intention to remain a voice for conservative values, partly so Trump might hear arguments not presented by those in his White House.