In a sharp rebuke of his former running mate, former Vice President Mike Pence voiced strong concerns Monday about Donald Trump’s trade and tariff policies, warning that they could trigger significant economic fallout, including higher prices and product shortages.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Pence did not hold back in criticizing the direction of Trump’s proposed economic strategy, particularly as the former president pushes for sweeping tariffs if re-elected.
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“I do have a concern that when the so-called 90-day pause comes off, that even the administration has conceded that there may be a price shock in the economy, and there may be shortages,” Pence said, referring to the temporary delay in implementing new tariffs under Trump’s proposed plan.
Pence, who served alongside Trump from 2017 to 2021, acknowledged that tariffs can serve as a tool in negotiations but cautioned against using them as an ongoing policy. “What I will give the president credit for is conceding the fact that his tariff policies will raise the cost of goods for consumers,” Pence noted. “I appreciate him being forthright about that.”
Trump recently admitted that common consumer items such as toys and pencils could become more expensive due to his tariff proposals — a concession that Pence said highlights the real impact such a policy could have on American households.
Pence argued for a more measured strategy rooted in international cooperation and market openness. “There were reports over the weekend of maybe a 35% reduction in the number of imports headed our way across the Pacific,” he warned. “I think the American people are going to see the consequences of this. I think they’ll demand a different approach, and I think that approach is free trade with free nations.”
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The former vice president’s remarks come as Trump continues to campaign on promises to overhaul U.S. trade relationships and impose blanket tariffs on all foreign goods — a stance that has raised alarm among economists and some Republicans who fear such a policy could stall growth or spark inflation.
Pence’s comments reflect a broader divide within the GOP on economic policy, particularly on how to balance protectionism with global market participation. While Trump’s base supports aggressive trade tactics as a means to protect American industries, critics like Pence warn that consumers may ultimately bear the brunt of those decisions. With inflation still a top concern for many Americans, the debate over tariffs is likely to play a central role in the 2024 presidential race.
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