There’s a reason Trump didn’t ask Pence to be his VP again.

Mike Pence, former Vice President under President Donald Trump, has publicly criticized his former boss and the current administration, particularly calling out the handling of trade policies. In a recent post on social media, Pence challenged Trump’s Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, regarding remarks he made about tariffs and their impact on the American economy.

Pence, a steadfast advocate for conservative economic policies, defended the benefits of free trade. “Actually @SecScottBessent, it is. Tariffs are a useful tool to encourage nations like China to negotiate, but free trade ultimately lowers the costs of goods and enhances the quality of life for all Americans,” Pence said on X, accompanied by a CNBC article quoting Bessent’s claim that the American Dream is not about “access to cheap goods.” Pence then reiterated his commitment to a free-market economy, emphasizing the importance of pursuing free trade agreements with like-minded nations. “Let’s Pursue Free Trade with Free Nations and Revive the American Dream,” he added.

Pence’s comments reflect a broader debate about President Trump’s trade war policies, which have seen tariffs imposed on goods from key trading partners like China, Mexico, and Canada. These tariffs, initially meant to put pressure on foreign nations to negotiate better deals, have led to a mixed bag of results. While some argue that these measures are necessary to protect American industries, others worry about the long-term consequences. The uncertainty caused by ongoing tariff negotiations has created turbulence in the markets, dampened consumer confidence, and left businesses uncertain about future investment and hiring decisions.

As the administration continues to grapple with trade policy challenges, Pence’s remarks highlight a growing divide within the Republican Party. Many, like Pence, emphasize the need for a more stable, free-market approach to ensure economic growth and prosperity for the American people.