Latest news with #Pence
The Hill
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Pence: American right facing ‘existential identity crisis'
Former Vice President Pence warned in a new essay that the conservative movement is being threatened by what he describes as 'populist fervor' and the 'transformation into the anti-woke movement.' 'An existential identity crisis now grips the American right,' Pence wrote in the essay, which was co-authored by a founder of the Heritage Foundation conservative think tank. 'A political movement once united by a commitment to limited government, moral order, and a robust defense of American ideals now appears fractured, its purpose clouded by populist grievances and ideological drift.' 'The question for today's conservatives is clear: Will we remain a party of enduring principles, or will we succumb to populism unmoored from conservative ideals?' he added. Pence, whose relationship with President Trump crumbled after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, did not identify Trump as the force behind his grievances with the current state of conservativism, but he detailed several issues of concern that resemble policies of the second Trump presidency. He wrote in the 4,200-word piece against adopting universal baseline tariff policies, lessening support for Ukraine, focusing too much on anti-woke endeavors and using 'government power to steer corporate behavior.' Trump adopted a baseline tariff strategy in April that applied to most countries including American allies; repeatedly questioned support for Ukraine; and pressured companies to drop diversity, equity and inclusion policies and since his return to the White House in January. Pence framed each of those issues as populist priorities that are not rooted in conservatism. 'Populist policies that seek to dismantle perceived enemies without regard for long-term consequences risk undermining the very order they claim to advocate,' he wrote. 'Whether it be tariffs that alienate allies, regulatory overreach for the sake of punishing progressive firms, or isolationism that leaves the world's despots unchecked, these approaches are the antithesis of … careful, measured conservatism.' Pence took aim in the article at the 'Democratic Party's efforts to banish common sense,' but he argued that the response has led the right astray from its conservative principles. 'Though subtle at first, the consequences of the conservative movement's transformation into the anti-woke movement have steadily accumulated,' he wrote. 'By the time Donald Trump won his second term, much post-election analysis correctly framed his victory not as a triumph of conservative ideals, but as a mere repudiation of a decadent and debauched Democratic Party.' 'While such opposition can attract allies and can even win elections when Republicans are out of power, it cannot serve as a movement's moral foundation. Conservatism cannot be defined solely by what it isn't,' he added. The White House rejected the characterizations in Pence's piece. 'President Trump's dominance in the GOP primary and general election is proof that Americans have firmly embraced the America First movement and resoundingly rejected the career politicians who have devastated Main Street prosperity, unleashed global chaos, corrupted our institutions and eroded our values,' White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement to The Hill. Pence, who has himself lambasted so-called 'woke-ism' in speeches since leaving office, briefly sought the GOP presidential nomination in 2024 but gained little traction before dropping out of the race. The former Indiana governor said in an interview on NBC's 'Meet the Press' last month that he doubted he would run for the White House again but would advocate for 'conservative values.' 'I want to be a voice for the policies and liberties enshrined in the Constitution of the United States,' Pence said. 'I want to be a champion of the conservative cause, and that's where I'll stay focused, and we'll let the future take care of itself.'
Fox News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Former Vice President Mike Pence On The Best Way Forward For America
Few figures in modern politics have earned both genuine respect and sharp criticism from across the political spectrum — but former Vice President Mike Pence is a rare exception. Known for his unwavering dedication to the Constitution, his faith, and his convictions, Pence has long prioritized principle over popularity. Today, the former Vice President reflects on the current political climate, the alarming rise in political violence across the country, and the future of the Republican Party. He also shares how his faith continues to shape his path forward — a theme that's guiding his new book that's currently in the works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Indiana budget cuts threaten On My Way Pre-K
Indiana is slashing statewide funding for its pre-kindergarten program and advocates say it could reverse years of growth in supporting its most vulnerable children prepare for school. On My Way Pre-K provides state vouchers for quality, free preschool for 4-year-olds from income-eligible families. Earlier this month, the Family and Social Services Administration announced it trimmed back the program because of a state budget shortfall. Former Gov. Mike Pence signed legislation establishing the program as a pilot in 2014 and heralded its enrollment. Pence later flip-flopped back and forth on his willingness to take federal dollars saying he didn't like the 'strings attached.' Under former Gov. Eric Holcomb, the program expanded statewide in 2019. With a voucher, children can attend participating private and public preschools authorized by the state. Last year, the FSSA said On My Way Pre-K increased enrollment to about 6,200 students, with federal funding assistance. By June, the FSSA said it would limit available seats in the program to 2,500 in the wake of a 10% budget cut. Since 2017, the FSSA's Child Care and Development Fund has been a funding stream for On My Way to Pre-K, but recently it saw a funding decrease and now has a waitlist of 18,000 children waiting for an available subsidy. GOP lawmakers pushed through early education cuts when a $2 billion budget deficit loomed because of a lowered revenue growth outlook, under President Donald Trump. When the session began in January, Gov. Mike Braun sought $369 million for the Child Care and Development Fund and the doubling of funding for On My Way Pre-K. He also wanted to eliminate the CCDF waitlist. The cuts worried early education providers and rankled one local House member. 'It's going to be impactful to a lot of children who won't have access,' said Karen Carradine, Head Start Geminus Vice President of Early Childhood Services. Carradine said the state cuts won't impact Head Start but will make a big dent in state provider funding. 'It will tremendously reduce state vouchers and the funding to pay for the vouchers. In On My Way Pre-K, they've changed the rules,' she said explaining providers will have to pay 5%, possibly out-of-pocket. 'That's a big hurdle and children will get 46 weeks, instead of 52 they have to attend. 'I feel providers will be looking at how many they can serve. And at the end of the day, it comes down to dollars and cents,' she said. The Gary Community School Corp. offers an On My Way Pre-K program at its Bethune Early Childhood Development Center. Superintendent Yvonne Stokes said the district still isn't sure of the impact. 'We are committed to supporting any affected families by identifying other resources and means to help fill the gaps of any shortages,' she said. Meanwhile, state Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, voiced concern Monday about the impact of the On My Way to Pre-K cuts. 'Over 85% of 4-year-olds in Indiana do not have access to preschool. On My Way Pre-K is already an extremely limited program to help the most vulnerable afford to send their children to pre-K. 'Now, 3,500 fewer Hoosier children will likely not be able to enroll in pre-K because their families cannot afford it without the voucher.' Jackson, a member of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, said the financial incentive for providers to accept On My Way Pre-K vouchers decreased up to 46% in Lake County. 'Reducing this incentive will reduce class sizes even more. Families who desperately want to give their child a leg up with early childhood education are being left high and dry,' said Jackson who added Indiana was one of six states that don't fund universal Pre-K. 'If pre-K is a luxury that only wealthy families in well-off suburbs can afford, children living in underserved communities will be hurt the most,' said Jackson. She criticized Republican lawmakers for cuts to early childhood education, but still green-lighting $1.2 billion to expand private school vouchers. 'This is not about fiscal responsibility. This does not help working Hoosiers. This policy is harmful for children, families and our economy,' Jackson said.
The Hill
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Pence says Minnesota shooting ‘must be universally condemned'
Former Vice President Mike Pence said the fatal shooting of state Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband over the weekend 'must be universally condemned' and that there is 'no antidote for law and order.' 'There is no antidote for law and order, for making it very clear that there will be no tolerance in this country for political violence, whatever its motivation,' he said during an appearance on 'The Hill Sunday.' 'And I believe instances such as this must be universally condemned.' Pence's condemnation comes as officials continue their manhunt for the suspect in the shooting of Hortman (D) and her husband on Saturday, Vance Boelter. The 57-year-old is also suspected of shooting and wounding state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife. A $50,000 award is being offered for information leading to Boelter's arrest and conviction. Host Chris Stirewalt asked Pence how the U.S. can 'break out of this cycle that seems to be afflicting us year after year,' to which the Indiana Republican replied, 'Swift and certain law enforcement.' 'Look, I know there's always a temptation for people to look at trends,' he added, noting an incident in 2017 when then-House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and others were shot during a congressional baseball practice. Pence said he denounced shifting any blame at the time, mentioning that the shooter, James T. Hodgkinson, supported Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and volunteered for the Vermont senator's presidential campaign. Immediately after the revelation, Sanders criticized Hodgkinson's actions, calling the shooting 'a despicable act.' 'Now, as we live in a time when we've seen two assassination attempts on President Trump during his campaign, when we've seen an attack on the home of the governor of Pennsylvania, attack on Jewish protesters, I honestly think the answer here is to see that these people are prosecuted swiftly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,' Pence said.
The Hill
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Pence says US ‘needs to be prepared' to help Israel destroy Iranian nuclear program
Former Vice President Pence on Sunday said that the United States 'needs to be prepared' to help Israel destroy the Iranian nuclear program. 'If Israel needs our help to ensure that the Iranian nuclear program is destroyed once and for all, the United States of America needs to be prepared to do it, because this — this is about protecting our most cherished ally,' Pence told CNN's Dana Bash on 'State of the Union.' On Thursday overnight, Israel bombarded Iran, moving forward with its largest-ever military operation against its common Middle East rival and upending a push from President Trump for a nuclear deal with Iran. The U.S. attempted to quickly distance itself from the strikes that targeted critical nuclear facilities and killed Iran's top military leaders. However, Trump administration officials were reportedly briefed on plans prior to the strikes. Iran later retaliated by launching swarms of drones following the Israeli military strikes. On Sunday, the conflict had stretched into its third day. 'They've been working on intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the United States,' Pence said of Iran on Sunday. On Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. did not take part in the Israeli strikes inside Iran. 'Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,' Rubio said via a statement.
