On Monday, May 5, 2025, former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Donald Trump’s implementation of comprehensive tariffs, warning of potential economic impacts for Americans.
During an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Pence cautioned that the economy might experience a “price shock” and possible shortages, leading the public to urge a shift in the White House’s trade policy.
Pence rejected Trump’s recent remarks about American children possibly having fewer toys due to tariffs. He emphasized to Collins the importance of keeping toys affordable as a 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 stated.
The interview with CNN occurred at the JFK Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts, where Pence was awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award for his actions on January 6, 2021. The award recognized his decision to resist Trump’s pressure to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
Pence reflected on his time working with Trump and described their relationship as productive, but he now sees Trump’s current policies as diverging from what he viewed as their shared achievements.
Regarding Trump’s tariff strategy, Pence acknowledged their philosophical differences on trade. He noted the Trump-Pence administration’s success with targeted tariffs against China, contrasting it with the current broad approach.
Pence raised concerns that the administration’s broad tariffs on allies and adversaries might not effectively address nations exploiting trade relationships and could lead to inflation, negatively affecting consumers and the economy.
He reiterated his belief in “free trade with free nations,” advocating for engagement with global trading partners to reduce trade barriers while taking a firmer stance against authoritarian regimes.
Pence also expressed concerns about the administration’s stance on Ukraine, challenging Trump’s recent comments on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions.
Pence emphasized that Putin understands only strength, asserting that the last three years have shown that Putin does not seek peace but rather control over Ukraine. He cited Russia’s delays in ceasefire agreements as evidence.
Pence highlighted the significance of the Ukraine situation, expressing his belief that if Putin gained control of Ukraine, it could lead to a situation requiring American military intervention.
Pence acknowledged positive aspects of the current administration, citing a recent agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in return for an investment fund as a strong message to Moscow.
He criticized Trump’s pardons of January 6 rioters, expressing disappointment over pardoning individuals involved in violence against law enforcement, while recognizing the president’s constitutional right to grant pardons.
Pence also disagreed with the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services due to Kennedy’s stance on abortion rights and vaccine safety.
He voiced concerns about Kennedy’s history of questioning vaccine safety, particularly amid a measles outbreak in West Texas, and the impact on public confidence in vaccines.
Pence commended efforts to address undocumented migration and expressed confidence in Attorney General Pam Bondi and border czar Tom Homan.
Regarding his plans, Pence indicated his intention to remain an advocate for conservative values, aiming to influence discussions within the current administration.
