Pence and Trump aren’t on the best terms right now. That relationship may only get worse after this latest report.
And Mike Pence puts Trump in his crosshairs with this latest challenge.
As former Vice President Mike Pence navigates the political landscape of President Donald Trump’s second term, he is positioning himself as a “constructive force for the conservative agenda.” In a party largely aligned with Trump, Pence stands as one of the few Republicans willing to challenge the administration when he sees deviations from core conservative values.
“Well, for me, it’s always principles first. It’s not personal,” Pence said during an interview with The Associated Press.
Although his relationship with Trump became strained after the events of January 6, 2021, Pence remains committed to supporting the administration where their views align. However, he has not hesitated to push back when necessary.
His advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom, recently spent nearly $1 million on advertisements opposing Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The group took a stand against Kennedy, whom they view as an abortion rights supporter, marking what Pence described as a significant departure from decades of pro-life Republican leadership at HHS.
Despite resistance within the party to publicly challenge Trump, Pence maintains a firm stance. “I never speculate on motives. You know, I’m not new to town. I’ve waged lonely battles before,” he said. “But you know, you have to be willing to step out and lead.”
Shaping the Administration’s Direction
Tim Chapman, president of Advancing American Freedom, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that pushing back on issues is part of ensuring a principled conservative agenda. “It would be an abdication of duty and responsibility if nobody said anything about the life issue in particular,” Chapman told Fox News Digital. He described their role as one of engagement, ensuring the administration remains tethered to conservative values.
Chapman acknowledged the existence of an “echo chamber” among Republican leaders and outside groups that encourages strict alignment with Trump. This environment, he suggested, may dissuade some from voicing opposition. “Time will also tell whether that echo chamber serves the president well or ends up not serving him well,” he said.
Advancing American Freedom has also turned its attention to Trump’s labor secretary pick, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, whom they accuse of being too pro-union. Beyond personnel decisions, Pence’s group is advocating for increased military spending, deficit reduction, the permanent extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, and a reevaluation of tariffs on U.S. allies.
A Delicate Relationship with Trump
Despite their differences, Pence remains engaged with the Trump administration, speaking out in support when he agrees with its actions. He praised Trump’s reversal of Biden-era border policies, calling it a return to “policies that we had negotiated and established that secured the border.”
Pence continues to push for a more traditional conservative approach, arguing that the Republican base has not fundamentally shifted. He recalled an interaction with a farmer in Iowa following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. Though the farmer agreed with Pence’s positions, he felt compelled to back Trump. “And he said words I never forgot,” Pence recounted. “He lamented Biden’s failed record… And then he said, ‘Plus, if they can do that to a former president, they can do that to me.’ And the ‘lawfare’ stuff went into higher relief.”
Chapman agreed, stating that Republican voters remain deeply committed to principles such as limited government, traditional values, and a strong national defense. While Trump’s leadership style may have attracted voters, Chapman argued that the core policy positions have remained unchanged.
A Measured Approach to the Future
At Trump’s recent inauguration, Pence received warm greetings from former colleagues and members of the new administration. He also shared a brief but cordial moment with Trump himself at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. “You know, the people that know me know it’s not personal,” Pence said, adding that he has long since forgiven Trump for their past differences.
However, Pence remains clear-eyed about their disagreements. “We still have those differences as the president still holds the view that, to my knowledge, that I had some authority that I did not have under the Constitution or laws of the country,” he said. Nonetheless, he maintains a forward-looking approach, committed to shaping conservative policy under the Trump administration.
Chapman reinforced this idea, noting that Pence has always been willing to challenge Republican leadership when he believes it necessary. “What you’re seeing him do now is almost a return to form,” Chapman said.
With a careful balance of support and critique, Pence is attempting to carve out a role that allows him to influence the future of the conservative movement while maintaining his own ideological integrity. “Hope springs eternal,” he said. “And we want to be a constructive force for the conservative agenda. I think that’s good for the administration. It’s good for the Congress. More importantly, it’s good for America.”
Pence’s balance may prove to be tricky. His push for conservative values is certainly commendable, but it could very well backfire on him should he impede in any way on Donald Trump’s fast-moving agenda.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
