Former Vice President Mike Pence is stepping back into the political spotlight with a new book and a renewed effort to challenge President Donald Trump and the America First movement that now dominates the Republican Party.
In his upcoming book, What Conservatives Believe, Pence argues that Republicans must decide whether to continue following President Trump’s populist approach or return to the traditional conservative principles that shaped the GOP for generations.
For many Trump supporters, Pence’s comments are likely to be viewed as another attempt by an establishment figure to undermine the movement that transformed American politics and put everyday citizens back at the center of government.
Mike Pence Says Republicans Face a Defining Choice
During an interview on the “Going Big!” podcast, Pence said he wrote the book because he believes the Republican Party is at a major turning point.
According to Pence, conservatives must choose between two very different paths:
- The traditional conservative agenda of low taxes, free markets, strong national defense, and pro-life values
- The America First populist movement led by President Trump
Pence warned that populism without a clear ideological foundation could steer the Republican Party away from the principles he says made both the GOP and the nation strong.
Pence Targets Trump’s Trade and Foreign Policy
Pence specifically criticized several policies that have become central to President Trump’s agenda.
Among the issues he raised were:
- Tariffs on foreign imports
- Reduced enthusiasm for overseas military involvement
- Government pressure on pharmaceutical prices
- Financial regulations affecting credit card companies
- A more decentralized approach to pro-life policy
Pence argued that these positions differ from the conservative orthodoxy embraced by leaders such as Ronald Reagan.
Trump Focused on Results, Not Ideology
Pence also offered insight into how President Trump approached policy decisions during their time in the White House.
He said that when he described certain policies as “conservative,” Trump often dismissed the label and simply called them “common sense.”
That mindset has become one of President Trump’s greatest strengths. Rather than focusing on political theory, Trump has emphasized practical solutions aimed at protecting American jobs, securing the border, rebuilding the military, and standing up to foreign competitors.
Why Trump Supporters Back the America First Agenda
Millions of Republican voters believe President Trump modernized the conservative movement by putting American citizens first.
Supporters point to several accomplishments and priorities, including:
- Stronger border security
- Tougher trade negotiations
- Energy independence
- Judicial appointments committed to constitutional principles
- A foreign policy focused on American interests
To these voters, Trump’s approach is not a departure from conservatism. It is a return to common sense and national sovereignty.
Pence Calls for Republican Soul-Searching
Pence said Republicans should determine what they stand for before choosing future presidential candidates.
He plans to travel across the country promoting his book and encouraging debate about the ideological direction of the party.
However, President Trump remains overwhelmingly popular among Republican voters, and the America First movement continues to shape the GOP’s priorities heading into future elections.
Could Pence Influence the 2028 Republican Primary?
Pence’s renewed criticism may reignite discussion among establishment conservatives, but it remains unclear how much influence he still holds with the Republican base.
Since leaving office, he has struggled to gain traction with voters who remain firmly aligned with President Trump.
Even so, his book is likely to spark debate over the future of the Republican Party and the lasting impact of Trump’s political movement.
Final Thoughts
Mike Pence is making a new effort to persuade Republicans to move away from President Trump’s America First agenda. But for millions of conservatives, Trump’s policies restored strength, prosperity, and confidence to the United States.
As the Republican Party looks ahead, one fact remains undeniable: President Trump continues to define the conservative movement and holds the loyalty of the vast majority of GOP voters.