Pence Criticizes Trump’s Middle East Policy, Tariffs

Former Vice President Mike Pence has voiced significant criticism of President Donald Trump’s recent foreign policy moves and rhetoric during Trump’s Middle East tour. Pence condemned Trump’s public denouncement of America’s past interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan while speaking in Saudi Arabia, calling it a ‘disservice’ to U.S. veterans and inappropriate criticism of America on foreign soil. He also criticized Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar, citing concerns over Qatar’s support for extremist groups and urging Trump to reconsider accepting the gift. On economic policy, Pence warned that Trump’s approach to broad, baseline tariffs could raise prices for American consumers and marked a departure from their prior strategy of using tariffs as negotiating leverage. Pence also expressed concern over potential wavering support for Ukraine and possible changes to Iran policy. These remarks highlight significant policy and ethical differences between Pence and Trump as Trump pursues a second term.