Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Talks

Episode: Former US Vice President Mike Pence Talks F-35 Jets
Date: November 18, 2025
Host: Bloomberg (Interviewer not named)
Guest: Former US Vice President Mike Pence

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth interview with former US Vice President Mike Pence, focusing on evolving US global alliances, the controversial potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, geopolitical developments involving China, Russia, and India, and the US commitment to supporting Ukraine. Pence reflects on US foreign policy during and after his vice presidency, giving listeners clear insight into current debates over defense, international trade, and America's leadership role in the world.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Deepening US-Saudi Relations and F-35 Jet Sales

• Context: The US-Saudi relationship, bolstered by recent high-level visits and Trump's engagement with the Middle East, has implications for defense and security, particularly regarding Israel and the Abraham Accords.
• F-35 Sales Debate: The Trump administration is considering selling advanced F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, sparking concerns about technological security and wider proliferation among Middle Eastern countries.

Notable Quote:

“I have concerns about the sale of F35s to Saudi Arabia or, or any nation that could not states that technology and, and the, the great advancements that we made with the F35 don’t, don’t fall into the hands of nations that are hostile to our interests.”
— Mike Pence (03:24)

Timestamps:

• [00:35] US-Saudi relationship and deepening alliance
• [02:29] Abraham Accords and aspirations
• [02:59] F-35 technology and security risks

2. US-China Relations and Technology Security

• China as a Strategic Threat: Pence views China as the foremost strategic challenge, referencing trade policies, sanctions (including on TikTok), and technology sales (notably Nvidia) as matters for serious caution.
• Technology Transfer Concerns: Emphasizes the importance of preventing advanced US tech from reaching adversarial nations.

Notable Quote:

“I think it’s absolutely essential that we continue to put the security of the United States and our ability to defend our interest and our treaty allies across the region as China continues its military provocations and, and its extraordinary investments in its own military technology.”
— Mike Pence (04:43)

Timestamps:

• [04:07] Discussion on China as a global threat
• [05:23] Technology and military provocations

3. Shifting Global Alliances: Russia, India, and the US

• New Blocks Emerging: The interviewer highlights a seeming axis between Russia, India, and China, referencing images of their leaders and the perception of US diminishing dominance.
• US Response and Critique: Pence attributes this shift to perceived American weakness and advocates “peace through strength,” expressing skepticism about broad tariff policies that hurt alliances.

Notable Quotes:

“Nature abhors a vacuum and that’s equally true on the world stage.”
— Mike Pence (05:56)

“But what we’re seeing in this new Trump administration is the use of broad based tariffs that I think ultimately harm US Consumers, harm growth, but also more profoundly, they really threaten to fray long standing relationships in the free world at just the time that we need them stronger than ever before.”
— Mike Pence (07:25)

Timestamps:

• [05:56] Shifts in global power and perceived US weakness
• [07:25] Tariff policy and its impact on alliances

4. NATO, Europe, and the US Role in the War in Ukraine

• US Leadership and NATO: Pence recalls improvements in NATO's funding and solidarity under his vice presidency and insists America’s leadership of the free world is non-negotiable.
• Sanctions on Russia: He calls for secondary sanctions on countries supporting Russia economically, claiming they could pressure Russia toward negotiation.
• US-Europe Relations: Affirms that “America first” doesn’t mean isolation and argues for more unity, especially in the face of authoritarian aggression.

Notable Quotes:

“America is the leader of the free world. And it’s absolutely essential that we continue to uphold the principle that we will not allow authoritarian regimes to redraw international lines by force.”
— Mike Pence (09:03)

“America First does not mean America alone. It simply means America embracing our first obligations at home and secondly, embracing our role as leader of the free world.”
— Mike Pence (11:11)

Timestamps:

• [08:50] US support for Ukraine and sanctions
• [10:48] Need for Europe’s partnership
• [11:11] “America First” clarified

Memorable Moments and Direct Quotes

• On Technological Security:
  “It’s extremely important in any sale that we ensure that that technology does not make its way into China’s hands or into hands of other adversarial nations.” (03:08)

• On International Resolution:
  “I think Vladimir Putin will not stop until he is stopped.” (09:54)

• On Transatlantic Alliance:
  “Before we left office at the end of four years, our NATO allies were investing $140 billion in our common defense that had not been invested before.” (11:36)

Segment Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Topic | |---------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 00:35 | Opening: US-Saudi relationship, Crown Prince MBS visit | | 01:05 | US foreign policy in the Middle East and Abraham Accords| | 02:29 | Impact and aspirations of the Abraham Accords | | 02:59 | F-35 sales debate, security risks | | 04:07 | US tech, trade with China, security concerns | | 05:23 | Global alliances: Russia, China, India | | 05:56 | Perceived US weakness and rising challenges | | 07:25 | Tariff policy criticism | | 08:50 | US-EU relations; Ukraine; sanctions | | 10:48 | The need for unified international action | | 11:11 | Clarifying “America First” policy |

Tone and Language

Throughout the episode, Pence adopts a measured, policy-oriented tone, emphasizing strategic caution, steadfast alliances, and principled leadership. The dialogue remains formal, detailed, and focused on global security and the responsibilities of US leadership.

This summary provides an engaging, comprehensive look at the episode's major themes and discussion points, allowing listeners to grasp the heart of the conversation even without hearing the full episode.