Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has joined a growing number of Republican voices criticizing Donald Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs, calling the policy a “misstep” with potentially damaging consequences for the U.S. economy and the Republican Party.
In an interview with The Hill earlier this week, Pence warned that the Trump administration’s tariff-heavy trade approach — particularly those targeting allies and key industries — risks alienating voters and undermining U.S. economic stability. “Using tariffs as a blunt instrument could cost American jobs and burden consumers with higher prices,” Pence said, as reported by Xinhua.
Pence’s remarks add to mounting intra-party concerns. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) echoed similar criticism, stating on Fox News that tariffs effectively act as a “tax on consumers,” and while they can serve as leverage in negotiations, long-term use could stoke inflation and hurt economic growth.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) also voiced opposition, challenging the use of national emergency powers to justify trade restrictions. In a recent Senate speech, Paul urged Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over trade policy, warning against executive overreach.
The critique comes amid renewed speculation about Trump’s second-term agenda, where tariffs — including proposals for a universal 10% levy on all imports — remain central to his “America First” platform.
As divisions widen within the GOP, the debate over tariffs may play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s economic message heading into the 2026 midterms.
Sources:
- The Hill interview with Mike Pence
- Xinhua News Agency
- Fox News interview with Senator Ted Cruz
- U.S. Senate records – remarks by Senator Rand Paul
- Bloomberg: Pence calls Trump tariffs a misstep
- Times of India: Mike Pence criticizes MAGA trade policies
Mike Pence Picture on Wikimedia by Gage Skidmore
