Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly cautioned against the reimplementation of sweeping tariffs proposed by Donald Trump, warning they could significantly harm American consumers and businesses. In recent remarks, Pence highlighted the economic risks tied to Trump’s protectionist trade policies, which are making a return as part of the former president’s 2024 campaign agenda.
Speaking during a policy roundtable in Indianapolis, Pence expressed concern that Trump's plans to impose a 10% universal tariff on all imports—and possibly even steeper tariffs on Chinese goods—could trigger higher prices across the board, from groceries to manufactured goods. “Tariffs are just taxes by another name,” Pence said. “And when you raise taxes on imports, American families pay the price at the checkout counter.”
Trump has argued that tariffs would bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign markets, particularly China. However, economists and many moderate Republicans warn that such a strategy could backfire, leading to retaliatory measures from trading partners, disrupted supply chains, and rising inflation.
Pence, once a close ally of Trump, has increasingly distanced himself from the former president since the events of January 6, 2021. While he has praised aspects of the Trump administration's economic record, Pence has been firm in advocating for more traditional conservative approaches to trade and fiscal policy. “We can stand up to China and support American industry without punishing American consumers,” he said.
The remarks come as Trump seeks to reassert his dominance in the GOP ahead of the 2024 general election, pushing populist economic policies that have divided Republican lawmakers. Pence’s comments suggest a growing rift within the party over the direction of U.S. economic policy in a globalized era.
As the campaign season heats up, the debate over tariffs is poised to become a central issue—one that could influence everything from inflation rates to America’s global trade relationships.
