Mike Pence says the Trump administration has ‘departed’ from conservative principles

Former Vice President Mike Pence has accused the Trump administration of straying from long-established conservative principles, warning that the shift risks alienating core Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections. In an interview with NBC News’ *Meet the Press*, Pence criticised the administration’s second term for departing from what he described as the party’s traditional agenda—rooted in American leadership, limited government, free-market economics, and the right to life—that has defined the GOP since the Reagan era. While acknowledging President Donald Trump’s political appeal and electoral success, Pence argued that key policy decisions have undermined the movement’s foundational values.

Among his concerns, Pence highlighted the administration’s reluctance to restrict access to abortion pills, describing it as an abandonment of the pro-life cause. He singled out the appointment of a pro-abortion Health and Human Services secretary, accusing the administration of relegating the right to life to a state-level issue rather than championing federal protections. Pence also expressed unease over economic policies, including proposals for nationalisation of businesses, price controls, and broad-based tariffs, which he argued run counter to conservative orthodoxy. Despite these criticisms, he acknowledged the enduring appeal of Trump among Republican voters, attributing it to the president’s ability to connect with the party’s base.

Looking ahead to the November midterms, Pence suggested that Republican gains will stem less from the party’s own momentum and more from the perceived extremism of Democrats. He contrasted the GOP’s perceived drift with what he characterised as the Democrats’ radicalisation, citing the Texas Senate race as an example. In that contest, Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary, positioning himself against Democratic nominee James Talarico. Pence warned that unless the GOP reasserts its commitment to conservative principles, it risks losing touch with the very voters it must mobilise.

Pence also criticised the Department of Justice’s “anti-weaponisation” fund—a $1.8 billion initiative that could compensate individuals alleging unfair targeting by the federal government. A federal judge recently issued a temporary injunction against the fund, but Pence called the idea misguided, arguing it would entrench partisan grievances. His remarks underscore growing fissures within the Republican Party as it navigates Trump’s influence while attempting to define its future direction ahead of the 2024 elections.