Washington Examiner reports that Mike Pence, the former Vice President, is taking significant steps to reinforce traditional conservative values within the Republican Party. His initiative, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), has become a hub for senior Heritage Foundation scholars, signaling a strategic pivot towards policy-focused conservatism amidst President Donald Trump's populist tenure.
Pence's vice presidency was marked by close collaboration with GOP congressional figures like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. Together, they achieved major legislative milestones such as tax reforms, the dismantling of key Affordable Care Act components, and the Supreme Court's conservative majority establishment, which led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. These accomplishments bolstered Pence's reputation as a unifying force within the GOP, adept at harmonizing establishment and insurgent elements.
The political landscape shifted with President Trump's resumption of office in 2025, introducing a populist realignment in congressional leadership. Allies from Pence's tenure, like Vice President JD Vance, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have amplified this populist stance in legislative circles.
Tensions between Pence and Trump escalated post-January 6, 2021, where Pence faced direct threats from rioters while performing his constitutional obligations during the 2020 election certification process. Since then, Pence has concentrated on nurturing policy-based conservatism through AAF, drawing experienced personnel from the Heritage Foundation, and advocating for economic stewardship, constitutional governance, limited regulation, and Second Amendment rights.
Pence's divergence from Trump's populist methods is evident in both domestic and foreign policy critiques. He has challenged aspects of U.S. trade policy, the administration's approach to Ukraine, and opposed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for secretary of health and human services, although Kennedy was eventually confirmed by the Senate.
His long-standing political career, including his time as governor of Indiana and a congressman, adds credibility to his influence. Within the GOP, Pence continues to foster support for Reagan-era conservatism through policy campaigns, think-tank alliances, and organizational outreach. Despite emerging populist figures like Vance gaining traction with Republican voters, as indicated by early state primary polls, Pence's efforts remain pivotal in the internal GOP debate between insurgent populism and enduring conservative values.
Social media reactions reflect the dynamic political discourse. Journalist Jim Antle tweeted on December 28, 2025, about Pence's transition from a mediator to an active participant in the ideological clash within the GOP. Kim R. Holmes, on December 22, 2025, praised Pence for remaining steadfast against attempts by the MAGA movement to marginalize him. Conversely, Donald Trump Jr. expressed approval for the departure of individuals he labeled as "Trump-hating RINOs" from Heritage, criticizing their association with Pence's "globalist never-Trump organization" in a tweet on December 22, 2025.
Pence's resurgence illustrates the ongoing ideological contest within the Republican Party, pitting insurgent populism against classical conservative doctrines as the GOP evolves under President Trump's leadership.
