Former Vice President Mike Pence just went after the Trump administration in a way few Republicans have dared. The former VP explained why he believes the current administration has strayed from core conservative values.
Mike Pence criticizes Donald Trump administration
Former Vice President Mike Pence told NBC News’ Meet the Press that President Donald Trump’s second administration has “departed” from traditional conservative principles. He stated the administration no longer commits to “the conservative agenda that has defined the Republican Party since the days of Ronald Reagan.” Pence added that “on a number of those issues, the president’s been good” in the past.
The former vice president acknowledged Trump’s strong grip on Republican voters. He said, “I don’t think there’s any question about the president’s popularity.” Pence also gave Trump “all the credit in the world for the hold that he has on Republican voters.” He maintained that GOP voters still align with core conservative values despite current shifts.
Pence criticized the administration’s stance on abortion restrictions. He said, “This administration, we see a desire to relegate the right to life to a state-only issue.” He also called out the appointment of “a pro-abortion secretary of HHS who has done nothing to limit the availability of the abortion pill.”
The former vice president also targeted the Justice Department’s “anti-weaponization fund.” The fund includes nearly $1.8 billion for people who believe they faced unfair federal targeting. Pence called the possibility of compensating Jan. 6 rioters “deeply offensive.” He urged the administration to “just drop it.”
Pence warned that the administration’s direction could affect the 2026 midterm elections. He stated, “I think in many respects Republicans have lost our way, but Democrats have lost their mind.” He pointed to the Texas Senate race as evidence of Democratic extremism. Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn for the GOP Senate nomination. Pence believes Republicans can hold Congress mainly because of “the extremism on the Democratic side.” He expressed confidence that GOP voters would rally behind time-honored conservative principles in upcoming elections.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
