WASHINGTON — Nearly $1 million was invested in advertising campaigns opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump’s selection for the nation’s health agencies. He has been actively delivering speeches urging the president to uphold alliances with traditional foreign partners and lobbying Congress while his team composes letters and opinion columns.
Recently, he shared an article he wrote over a decade ago discussing the limits of presidential authority following Trump’s assertion that, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”
Mike Pence is positioning himself as a rare Republican voice in Washington willing to publicly challenge the new administration.
This represents a notable shift for the former vice president, whose previous allegiance to Trump characterized their time in office until their relationship sourd over Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results.
Pence and his colleagues at Advancing American Freedom, a political advocacy initiative, emphasize that they are not attempting to adopt the “Never Trump” label. Their approach aims to commend the administration when appropriate while expressing concerns when necessary, all in the context of longstanding conservative principles that have waned under Trump’s populist “Make America Great Again” agenda.
“We’re calling balls and strikes here,” Pence stated.
Pence opposed Kennedy—who has since been confirmed as secretary of health and human services—due to Kennedy’s previous stance on abortion rights. His group is currently lobbying against Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s nominee for labor secretary, alleging her pro-union stance, and plans to advocate for increased military funding, deficit reduction, and the permanence of 2017 tax cuts, while also encouraging Trump to reconsider imposing tariffs on allies.
In a recent interview, Pence elaborated on his political efforts and his evolving relationship with Trump, including their notable handshake at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.
Pence remarked: “To be an anchor to windward…I came across that line in a Herman Melville book a long time ago.”
“The wind blows in the direction of more government. And I believe it is a conservative’s duty to anchor the party to core principles to ensure stability and adherence to the foundational values that have guided my career in this movement.”
“A strong defense, American leadership in the free world, limited government, fiscal responsibility, growth, the right to life, traditional values—these are the principles that attracted me to the Republican Party and they remain the timeless ideals of the party of Lincoln. As a former elected official, I aim to champion these values.”
Pence continued: “For me, it’s always about principles, not personal feelings. I felt honored to receive warm welcomes during the recent inauguration from previous colleagues, including those within the new administration. I must have interacted with half the incoming Cabinet.”
“At the Carter funeral, I had a cordial interaction with the president; he acknowledged me, and I congratulated him. Those who know me understand it’s not personal. I’ve long forgiven Trump for our past differences, though we continue to maintain opposing views regarding my constitutional authority during our administration. Still, I keep the president in my prayers.”
“I strive to approach these challenges with integrity and principle. I believe the Trump administration has made commendable strides, particularly in reversing Biden’s border policies and reinstating effective measures we implemented to secure the border. However, regarding Kennedy’s nomination, my stance is firmly rooted in the right to life.”
“The appointment of an abortion rights advocate to secretary of HHS signals a significant shift from 50 years of strong pro-life leadership in that role under Republican administrations, which is why we believed it necessary to speak out. We received considerable quiet support for our position.”
Pence added: “While some may not express their reasoning, I’ve faced such battles alone before, and it’s vital to step up and lead. My hope is that future life-related discussions will embolden more people to take a stand.”
“Many prominent party voices have shifted towards a more populist perspective, but I believe most Republican voters maintain their values from previous administrations that adhered to conservative principles.”
Pence recounted an encounter at a town hall meeting: “A farmer told me he agreed with everything I stood for, yet planned to vote for Trump. He expressed a strong dislike for Biden’s presidency and fears that if they could take down a former president, he’d be their target next.”
“I didn’t observe the Republican Party embracing big government or retracting America’s global commitments, nor did I see a diminishment of the right to life during my travels across the country.”
Pence reflected on his wife’s actions at the funeral, stating: “My wife loves me, and I respect her choices. I’ve been truly touched by how many people have expressed their gratitude to us for that day.”
“However, it’s crucial to focus on the future. I always believed the president would come to terms with our differences after January 6, and while we initially parted on good terms, the spring saw a return to rhetoric that made it clear it was best to move forward separately.”
“We aspire to constructively influence the conservative agenda for the betterment of the administration and Congress, and ultimately, for America.”
