Former Vice President Mike Pence is carving out a unique role in the Republican landscape, positioning himself as a principled conservative voice willing to both support and challenge President Trump's second term. In a recent interview, Pence emphasized his commitment to putting "principles first," highlighting that his stance isn't personal but rather rooted in his conservative ideology.

Despite their public break following the January 6th Capitol riot, Pence expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration on shared priorities while also challenging policies that deviate from his conservative principles. This approach is evident in his organization, Advancing American Freedom, which recently spearheaded a campaign against the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary, citing Kennedy's stance on abortion rights. Pence revealed that he received considerable encouragement for this action, emphasizing the need to uphold pro-life leadership within HHS.

Tim Chapman, president of Advancing American Freedom, echoed Pence's sentiments, explaining that their goal is to initiate crucial conversations and influence the administration towards conservative principles. He acknowledged the current political climate, where dissenting voices within the Republican party are often pressured to remain silent, but affirmed their commitment to constructively expressing their views, regardless of potential backlash. This commitment extends to other issues as well, with the group currently lobbying against Trump's labor secretary nominee, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, due to her perceived pro-union stance.

While Advancing American Freedom focuses on issues like military spending, deficit reduction, and tax cuts, Pence himself has been actively engaging with Congress and delivering speeches on foreign policy, urging Trump to maintain strong alliances. He praised the administration's efforts to reinstate stricter border policies while also expressing concern over the rise of populist sentiment within the party. However, Pence believes the core values of Republican voters remain largely unchanged, emphasizing their commitment to limited government, traditional values, and a strong national defense.

Pence recounted a cordial exchange with Trump at former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, suggesting a potential thaw in their relationship. He also addressed the widely discussed moment where his wife, Karen Pence, declined to acknowledge the Trumps, stating his respect for his wife’s decision and emphasizing their focus on moving forward. Despite past disagreements, Pence expressed forgiveness towards Trump and a desire to maintain a constructive relationship, ultimately aiming to serve the best interests of the country.

Chapman reinforced that Pence's actions are driven by principle, not personal animosity, drawing parallels to Pence's history of challenging Republican leadership during his time in Congress. He views Pence's current stance as a return to his principled roots, underscoring the consistency in his approach to political engagement.