Former Vice President Mike Pence stated in an exclusive Fox News interview that while Donald Trump has altered some aspects of the Republican Party’s agenda, he has not fundamentally changed the party itself. Pence emphasized that his current focus is to preserve the GOP’s conservative principles amid shifts toward populism and big government under Trump’s second administration.
Pence, speaking from his Washington, D.C. office at Advancing American Freedom, his policy advocacy group, stressed that the Republican Party remains committed to fiscal responsibility, traditional values, strong defense, and American leadership. He praised the Trump administration’s achievements including securing the border and maintaining tax cuts for top earners but criticized its embrace of bigger government programs, pharmaceutical price controls, and intervention in private companies.
He also expressed concern about rising protectionism, isolationism, and antisemitism within the party. Pence urged Republicans to confront fringe elements that oppose support for allies such as Israel and Ukraine, stating these positions do not reflect core conservative values.
Pence’s view contrasts with GOP strategist Ryan Williams, who argued that Trump has significantly reshaped the party’s voter base and priorities, suggesting the GOP will not return to its pre-Trump direction.
Despite internal divisions, Pence called for Republicans in office and candidates nationwide to recommit to traditional conservative principles, which he described as the foundation for American prosperity and security.
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