Mike Pence expresses significant concerns about President Donald Trump's new economic agenda targeting U.S. trading partners ahead of its unveiling.

According to Newsmax, Trump's "Liberation Day" speech on Wednesday introduced sweeping new sanctions and a universal 10% tariff on all imported goods, prompting Pence to voice his opposition during recent interviews.

In a conversation with The Rosenberg Report on TBN recorded two weeks before Trump's announcement, Pence revealed his knowledge of the president's plans through his connections with White House advisers. The former vice president emphasized the potential negative impact on American families, particularly those still recovering from the economic challenges of the Biden administration.

Strategic tariffs versus broad economic measures

Pence advocates for a more targeted approach to trade policies, distinguishing between necessary sanctions on authoritarian regimes and broad-based tariffs that could harm American consumers.

The former vice president points to the successful implementation of $250 billion in tariffs against China during Trump's first administration. This strategy led to the landmark "Phase One" trade deal in January 2020, which opened Chinese markets to American agricultural products.

Pence elaborates on his position regarding China, suggesting that aggressive tariffs should specifically target Chinese imports until the country addresses its trade abuses and opens its markets to American goods.

Impact on American consumers and state economies

During his interview in Indianapolis, Pence shared his perspective on how broad-based tariffs could affect everyday Americans:

I know that a member of the Cabinet recently said that the American dream is not about low-cost goods. Actually, having lived on a paycheck almost my entire career — you know what? It is a lot about low-cost goods and being able to enjoy a quality of life.

The former vice president highlights Indiana's position as the second-leading exporting state in America, emphasizing the potential consequences of retaliatory tariffs from other nations on American exports.

Economic priorities and political implications

Pence suggests implementing tax cuts before introducing new tariffs, drawing parallels to Ronald Reagan's presidency and the challenges faced during the 1982 midterm elections.

The former vice president expresses concern about the political risks associated with Trump's economic agenda, particularly given the narrow three-seat margin in the House of Representatives.

He emphasizes the historical pattern of midterm elections being particularly challenging for the party holding the White House, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.

Critical assessment of broad economic policies

The debate over Trump's new tariff proposal highlights the complex relationship between international trade policies and domestic economic stability. Pence's warnings stem from his experience as vice president during the first Trump administration and his understanding of international trade dynamics and domestic economic needs.

The former vice president's stance reflects a growing conversation about the balance between protecting American interests and maintaining affordable goods for consumers, while also considering the potential impact on state economies heavily dependent on international trade.

Legacy of trade policy debate

Mike Pence's pre-emptive criticism of President Trump's broad-based tariff proposal demonstrates the ongoing debate within Republican circles about effective trade policy. His concerns focus on the potential impact on American consumers, particularly those still recovering from recent economic challenges, while advocating for targeted measures against specific countries like China. The discussion highlights the complex balance between protecting American interests and maintaining affordable goods for consumers, with implications for both domestic economics and international trade relations.