Pence Spent Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars on Ads Opposing RFK Jr.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has positioned himself as one of the few Republicans in Washington willing to publicly criticize the Trump administration’s policies. Through his political advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), Pence continues to advocate for traditional conservative values, even as Trump’s populist movement dominates the party. While stressing that he does not align with the “Never Trump” movement, Pence asserts, “We’re calling balls and strikes here.”
Pence Pens
His group spent nearly $1 million on ads opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump’s pick to lead the nation’s health agencies. He’s delivering speeches urging the president to stand with longstanding foreign allies and lobbying members of Congress while aides write letters and opinion columns.
This weekend, he posted an article he penned more than a decade ago on the limits of presidential power after Trump claimed that, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”
Mike Pence is emerging as one of the last Republicans in Washington willing to publicly criticize the new administration.
It’s an especially jarring role for the former vice president, whose refusal to break with Trump defined their time together in office until the two had a falling out over Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and his efforts to remain in power.
Pence and those who work with him at Advancing American Freedom, his political advocacy group, stress they are not looking to take on the “Never Trump” mantle. They intend to praise the administration when they agree with it, while raising concerns when they don’t, advocating for longtime conservative principles that have fallen out of favor as Trump’s “Make America Great Again” brand of populism has taken hold.
Opposing Trump’s Picks: Kennedy and Chavez-DeRemer
One of Pence’s most notable challenges to Trump’s administration has been his opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as secretary of health and human services. Citing Kennedy’s past support for abortion rights, Pence’s group spent nearly $1 million in ads against his nomination.
“For me, it would begin and end with the right to life… I saw the nomination of an abortion rights supporter to be secretary of HHS to be a dramatic departure from 50 years of strong pro-life leadership at HHS under Republican administrations,” Pence said.
Similarly, AAF is now actively lobbying against Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s nominee for labor secretary, criticizing her pro-union stance. In the coming months, Pence and his team plan to push for increased military spending, deficit reduction, and making Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent, as well as trying to convince Trump to stop slapping tariffs on allies.
The AP recently sat down with Pence to discuss his efforts and his relationship with Trump — including a closely watched handshake at the funeral of President Jimmy Carter and his wife’s lack of reaction as the 45th and 47th president took his seat.
Navigating a Complex Relationship with Trump
Despite their history, Pence maintains that his criticism of Trump’s policies is not personal. At President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, Pence had a cordial exchange with Trump, congratulating him on his return to the presidency. “The president and I had a very cordial exchange. You know, he was coming down the row in front of us at the National Cathedral and he said, ‘Hi, Mike.’ And I was standing up, extended my hand, and I said, ‘Congratulations, Mr. President.’ And I could see his countenance softened. And he said, ‘Thanks.’”
However, his wife, Karen Pence, notably refused to acknowledge the Trumps, a moment that went viral online. “My wife loves her husband. And I love my wife and I have great respect for her,” Pence commented on the incident.
The Future of the Republican Party: Traditional Conservatism vs. MAGA Populism
Pence remains optimistic that the Republican Party still values its core conservative principles, despite the rise of Trump’s populist wing. During his presidential campaign, he encountered voters who agreed with his policies but felt compelled to support Trump due to a perceived political vendetta against the former president.
“I don’t believe the overwhelming majority of people that ever vote Republican think any differently than they thought during our administration when we hewed to a conservative agenda or the years before or since,” Pence said.
He also shared an anecdote from an Iowa town hall where a farmer told him, “I agree with absolutely everything you said… But I’ll see you in four years. You’re going to be a great president someday.”
Looking Ahead: Pence’s Role in Shaping Conservative Policy
While Pence acknowledges his differences with Trump, he emphasizes his commitment to advancing conservative ideals, particularly in foreign policy, fiscal responsibility, and social issues. “I think it’s a role of conservatives to anchor the party so that when the wind blows, you put the anchor to windward so you stay grounded,” he explained, citing a line he remembered from a Herman Melville book.
As he continues to challenge key administration decisions, he hopes to inspire other Republicans to stand by these principles. “You have to be willing to step out and lead,” he said. Whether or not his efforts will influence the party’s direction remains to be seen, but Pence is determined to remain a vocal advocate for traditional conservatism.
