Mike Pence on Trump's Diplomacy, Putin's Intentions, and DC Crime

Trump's Peace Initiative and Putin's Reliability

• 🕊️ Former Vice President Mike Pence commends President Trump's engagement in the peace process between Russia and Ukraine, citing the biblical principle, "Blessed are the peacemakers."
• 🤝 Pence acknowledges Trump's efforts in meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky, viewing it as measurable progress.
• ⚠️ However, Pence expresses skepticism about Putin's desire for peace, stating that "Putin only understands strength" and believes Putin will not stop without being stopped.
• 💰 He advocates for the Senate to pass harsh secondary sanctions on Russia to be placed on the president's desk, giving him leverage while pursuing diplomacy.

Strength and US Global Standing

• 🛡️ Pence asserts that during the Trump-Pence administration, Russia did not enter Ukraine because of the credible threat of the use of force, citing actions against ISIS, Syria, and Soleimani.
• 📉 He believes the credibility of US strength on the world stage was eroded by the withdrawal from Afghanistan under Joe Biden.
• 🤝 Pence suggests that Trump is capable of both diplomatic engagement and imposing economic consequences, advocating for a combination of continued military support for Ukraine and the threat of sanctions as the best path to peace.

DC Crime Crackdown and Federal Authority

• 🚨 Pence strongly supports President Trump's actions in Washington D.C., highlighting that the city would have the highest homicide rate in the country if it were a state.
• ⚖️ He commends the president for using his authority under the Home Rule Act to federalize the local police force and expresses gratitude for the mayor's cooperation.
• 🏘️ Regarding expanding these efforts to other cities, Pence believes the president should provide resources to state and local law enforcement and be willing to deploy the National Guard where necessary.

Tariffs, Trade, and Conservatism

• 📊 Pence expresses concern over the administration boasting about collecting more in taxes (tariffs) during the Biden administration, stating that tariffs are taxes paid by American consumers and businesses and will negatively impact the economy.
• 🇨🇳 He emphasizes the need to be tough on China, noting that the Trump administration imposed tariffs that brought China to the negotiating table.
• 🇺🇸 Pence states his focus is on "what will be next in the Republican party" rather than specific individuals, emphasizing core conservative values like a strong national defense, American leadership, less government, lower taxes, and traditional moral values.