Context:

Former Vice President Mike Pence has committed to being a vocal critic of President Donald Trump if he deviates from the conservative agenda they once championed together. Pence, who recently received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, emphasized the importance of adhering to conservative principles such as strong defense, less government, and traditional moral values. He opposed recent suggestions to raise taxes on the wealthy, advocating instead for making Trump-Pence tax cuts permanent. Despite failing in his bid for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, Pence plans to continue promoting conservative values and constitutional fidelity. He highlighted the significance of standing with international allies and criticized any actions that might compromise longstanding U.S. foreign policy commitments.

Dive Deeper:

• Mike Pence has pledged to be a voice of opposition against President Trump should he stray from the conservative agenda, emphasizing the need for adherence to traditional values and policies that marked the Trump-Pence administration.

• Pence received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his actions on January 6, 2021, when he upheld his constitutional duties despite threats during the Capitol riot, underscoring his commitment to democratic principles.

• In an interview, Pence opposed any tax increase proposals targeting the wealthy, arguing that such measures would adversely affect small business owners and advocating instead for the permanence of the Trump-Pence tax cuts to foster economic growth.

• Despite ending his 2024 presidential campaign due to low poll numbers and financial struggles, Pence remains focused on promoting conservative values and sees the Constitution as the common ground for all Americans.

• Pence criticized Trump's potential third-term aspirations, stressing the importance of upholding the U.S. Constitution, and expressed hope that all elected officials will faithfully adhere to their constitutional oaths.

• He has urged Trump to maintain traditional U.S. foreign policies and alliances, particularly highlighting the need for continued support of Ukraine and cautioning against populist shifts within the Republican Party.

• Pence's commitment to conservative principles was evident in his criticism of any deviation from these values and his call for unity under the Constitution, as he continues to engage with the public and uphold his political stance despite stepping back from electoral pursuits.