Former VP Mike Pence Talks Trump's Foreign Policy

Summary

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Bloomberg Talks

Episode: Former VP Mike Pence Talks Trump's Foreign Policy

Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Joe (Bloomberg)
Guest: Former Vice President Mike Pence

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Overview

In this episode, former Vice President Mike Pence joins Bloomberg's Washington studio to share his perspectives on President Trump's recent foreign policy moves, including the controversial Greenland acquisition framework, changes at NATO, the new "Board of Peace," the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the state of domestic economic policy under the Trump administration. Pence provides candid critiques and support, reflecting on policy, history, and the evolving political climate—while drawing clear lines between his own philosophy and current White House tactics.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Greenland Framework Deal

• Historical Context and Security Case ([01:44])
  • Pence recalls Trump’s initial 2018 interest in adding Greenland as a US territory, comparing it to great historical purchases like Alaska and Louisiana. He highlights the strategic and resource advantages for the US in the Arctic.
  • Quote: “There is a national security case to be made. The Arctic has become much more active with regard to military incursions by China and Russia.” — Mike Pence [01:52]
• Pence's Reservations ([02:20])
  • Strongly opposed any consideration of military force against a NATO ally or unilateral tariffs to coerce Denmark or others to comply.
  • Supports negotiated frameworks over abrupt action.
  • Quote: “This should always have been a process of evolution and not… anything more abrupt.” — Mike Pence [03:30]
• Military Presence and Permanent Bases ([03:59])
  • Cites the long-standing 1951 treaty but acknowledges the new framework potentially enables a permanent US military presence in Greenland and expanded resource development.
  • Welcomes the new arrangement, so long as it's reached through negotiation.

2. US-NATO Relations & Article 5

• Reaffirming Alliance Commitments ([04:51])
  • Responding to Trump’s skepticism about NATO allies defending the US, Pence emphasizes history—specifically the invocation of Article 5 after 9/11.
  • Quote: "I have every confidence this is the greatest alliance in the history of the free world." — Mike Pence [05:36]
  • Calls Trump’s speculation about Europe’s willingness to honor Article 5 “regrettable.”

3. The “Board of Peace” & Middle East Diplomacy

• Formation and Critique of Board Membership ([06:09])

  • Applauds strong US support for Israel and the ongoing Gaza ceasefire.
  • Disappointed by the inclusion of authoritarian leaders (Putin, Lukashenko) and the absence of European powers in the Board of Peace for Gaza’s future.
  • Quote: “The Board of Peace itself ought to first be comprised of nations that have a demonstrated commitment to freedom and to peace. And Russia doesn’t make that list.” — Mike Pence [07:30]

• Purpose Drift and Global Implications ([07:55])

  • Concerned the Board may stretch beyond Gaza to influence Ukraine and broader geopolitics.

4. Russia-Ukraine War & “Peace Through Strength”

• Skepticism of Negotiations with Putin ([08:17])

  • Warns against trusting Putin or investing hope in summits and committees.
  • Calls for US Senate passage of strong secondary sanctions against entities enabling Russia’s war machine, especially those buying Russian oil.
  • Quote: “The way to peace is not through boards. The way to peace is through strength.” — Mike Pence [09:26]

• On Putin’s Ambitions ([10:01])

  • Directly states that Putin wants Ukraine, not peace: “Vladimir Putin doesn’t want peace, Michael Kirk. He wants Ukraine.” — Mike Pence [10:01]
  • Encourages freeing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine and ramping up sanctions.
  • Doubts any negotiation with Putin would produce meaningful change.

5. Domestic Democracy and January 6 Aftermath

• The State of American Democracy ([11:48])

  • Responds diplomatically to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s warnings about Trump and US democracy.
  • Stresses that, despite the violence, “our institutions held, our democracy held.”
  • Quote: “By God’s grace, I did my duty to see to the peaceful transfer of power.” — Mike Pence [11:54]

• On Potential Prosecution of Jack Smith ([12:36])

  • Urges Trump administration not to weaponize the justice system; calls for ending cycles of politically motivated prosecutions.
  • Quote: “I'd rather see this administration end that practice and pull back from the breach of embracing the very, very type of weaponization that the president endured for those years.” — Mike Pence [12:47]

6. Economic Policy & "Affordability"

• Critique of Tariffs, Price Controls, and “Conservative” Credentials ([14:06])
  • Dismisses capped interest rates, institutional housing bans, price controls as non-conservative and harmful to credit and drug innovation.
  • Points to tariffs as a chief driver of ongoing affordability problems for Americans, tying them to rising costs, job losses, and inflation.
  • Hopes the Supreme Court will strike down the President’s unilateral tariff powers.
  • Quote: “Tariffs are taxes at the border... American businesses and American consumers are paying American tariffs.” — Mike Pence [15:09]
  • Warns against government intervention and nationalization of businesses; champions a return to free markets.

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Greenland Framework:
  "There is a national security case to be made. The Arctic has become much more active with regard to military incursions by China and Russia." — Mike Pence [01:52]

• US-NATO Relationship:
  "I have every confidence this is the greatest alliance in the history of the free world." — Mike Pence [05:36]

• On Board of Peace & Russia:
  "The Board of Peace itself ought to first be comprised of nations that have a demonstrated commitment to freedom and to peace. And Russia doesn’t make that list." — Mike Pence [07:30]

• On Russia-Ukraine:
  "The way to peace is not through boards. The way to peace is through strength." — Mike Pence [09:26]
  "Vladimir Putin doesn’t want peace, Michael Kirk. He wants Ukraine." — Mike Pence [10:01]

• On January 6 and Democracy:
  "By God’s grace, I did my duty to see to the peaceful transfer of power." — Mike Pence [11:54]
  "I'd rather see this administration end that practice and pull back from the breach of embracing the very, very type of weaponization that the president endured for those years." — Mike Pence [12:47]

• On Economic Policy:
  "Tariffs are taxes at the border... American businesses and American consumers are paying American tariffs." — Mike Pence [15:09]

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Timeline of Important Segments

• 01:36 – Greenland and its strategic importance
• 03:59 – US military presence and the new Greenland framework
• 04:51 – NATO and Article 5
• 06:09 – Board of Peace, Israel, and the Gaza ceasefire
• 08:17 – Ukraine war, sanctions, and skepticism toward peace boards
• 10:01 – On Putin’s intentions and the futility of negotiations
• 11:48 – Reflections on January 6 and the integrity of US democracy
• 12:36 – On prosecutorial weaponization and political prosecutions
• 14:06 – Card rates, price controls, tariffs, and economics
• 15:09 – The case against tariffs and for free markets

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Conclusion

Pence’s appearance offered a unique look into the internal disagreements and alignments shaping US foreign and domestic policy during a turbulent period. He balances measured praise and sharp critique, consistently calling for negotiation over force, ideological consistency, and an unflagging devotion to US alliances and free-market values. Throughout, Pence is steady in both tone and conviction, emphasizing history, Republican principle, and “peace through strength” in every global and domestic challenge.

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Transcript

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[Joe (Interviewer)]

Bloomberg Audio Studios Podcasts Radio news the president who is also inviting Vladimir Putin to join the board, sitting down with leaders and diplomats two by two, signing a charter establishing the new entity. Now, today's events coming on the heels, of course, of the continued talks to end the war in Ukraine, reports now the administration is eyeing regime change in Cuba and of course, the aggressive war of words over Greenland. It has been a couple of days, the president posting a on social media as he traveled back to the U.S. right now, quote, it was an incredible time in Davos. The Greenland structure is being worked on and will be amazing for the usa, unquote. Joining us now here in our Washington bureau for a special conversation is former Vice President of the United states, Mike Pence. Mr. Vice President, welcome back to Bloomberg TV and Radio. It's great to see you.

[Mike Pence]

Well, thank you, Joe.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

Thanks for the year is starting out well for you. It's been a doozy already when it comes to the news cycle, especially when it comes to geopolitics. And that's where I'd like to start with you because I believe that you are in favor of what we're seeing. I know you had some issues with the approach that the president was taking.

[Mike Pence]

I did.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

Now that we have the framework for a deal, was it worth the cost of upsetting our NATO allies to the extent that he apparently did?

[Mike Pence]

Well, it was actually back in 2018, when I was vice president, that President Trump first expressed an interest in adding Greenland to the United States, either as a territory or beyond, much in the way we purchased Alaska, much in the way Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Purchase. And you know, I really, I really do believe, Joe, that there is a national security case to be made. The Arctic has become much more active with regard to military incursions by China and Russia. And having that platform permanently for the United States, as well as all the mineral rights is key. I had concerns, of course, about any suggestion that we would use military force against the territory of a NATO ally. That would be unacceptable. I also had concerns about the president threatening more unilateral tariffs against countries that wouldn't agree with turning Greenland over to the United States. So I, like a lot of people over there in Davos, I welcome the announcement of a framework. Sounds like there will be additional opportunities for a permanent military base as well as mining. And I think that sets. That sets into motion a process that could, well, someday in the future give way to Greenland being a part of the United States as a terror. Sure. I mean, you look at it, the US Virgin Islands were a part of Denmark back in the day. Those were purchased. But to me, this should always have been a process of evolution and not, you know, anything more abrupt than that. And so look, I want to commend the President for finding a way forward and a framework that at least leaves open the opportunity for a future with Greenland and the United States. But also in the immediate term, deals with real national security concerns and the ability to do resource development to the.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

Point that we cannot now is there again, I know we're still learning what's in the deal because we actually don't have a completed deal, but we have great access to Greenland now. Correct. What was it in that first term that you wanted you couldn't get?

[Mike Pence]

Well, well, Quite honestly, since 1951, we've had a treaty with Denmark that's allowed us to have a virtually unlimited military placement. We only have about 200 soldiers there today, but we've up to 10,000 in the past. But in terms of the development of permanent bases, I think the President yesterday used the term when he was asked about the duration of the agreement, I think he said forever. I'm not sure the previous treaty fell in that category. So, you know, if there is a new long term arrangement that addresses our very real and ongoing security concerns in the region as well as expands our ability to develop the resources that are there, I welcome that, but I welcome it through negotiation and not. And not the kind of tactics that were being talked about before.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

I think a lot of our NATO allies were surprised to hear the President suggest that he did not believe they would be there to defend the United States if called upon in an Article 5 violation. You, of course, were in Washington when the only one triggered ever took place on behalf of the United States. And I think we've all heard to the extent to which the Danes were involved in responding. That's right, on our behalf. To hear the Secretary General of NATO say it pains him to hear that you don't believe that our NATO allies would not be there for us in a time of need, do You?

[Mike Pence]

Well, I just. History is a teacher. I was here in Washington. I was a freshman member of congress, Joe, on 9 11. And I watched our European allies initiate Article 5 and go to war to defend our country. And they did that. And so I thought it was regrettable. The president speculated about Europe's willingness to stand with the NATO allowance and stand with the United States. I have every confidence this is the greatest alliance in the history of the free world. And my hope is that the progress that they made in reaching an agreement over Greenland suggests that better days are ahead for the United States and our important allies in Europe. Sure.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

And a lot of American blood and treasure was spent to build that alliance, as we know. Enter the Board of Peace. We just saw some images of President Trump at the signing ceremony earlier today. This is an interesting assembly of world leaders. Twenty nations, many of them not considered allies, including Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin. Are these men of peace.

[Mike Pence]

Joe? Well, let's take a half step back and say I, you know, I've walked through the communities in Israel that were struck on October 7th, and I want to give President Trump great credit for standing with Israel as they did what needed to be done to take down Hamas and to secure a ceasefire. It continues to hold to this day, even taking action against Iran's nuclear program. That was historic and important. The Board of Peace, as a concept for the future of Gaza, I think, is a welcome one. I was disappointed to see the addition of Russia and the presence of other representatives of authoritarian regimes and the absence of European allies on the Board of Peace. Look, this. We all hope for a future with. With Gaza that is peaceful and prosperous and that Hamas is utterly disarmed, no longer, no longer a threat to the people of Israel and to the region. But I think the Board of Peace itself ought to first be comprised of nations that have a demonstrated commitment to freedom and to peace. And Russia doesn't make that list.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

Well, it's important that you went back to Gaza in your answer, because that was supposed to be the charge of this board. It seems that it will be potentially used on a global level and that the president's chairmanship will outlive his presidency. We're not going to be in a world in which a Board of Peace with Vladimir Putin is helping to set the way forward. In Ukraine, for instance, are we?

[Mike Pence]

More than three years ago, Vladimir Putin launched a brutal and unprovoked invasion against Ukraine that rages to this day. I thought President Zelensky's remarks today in Davos were important and on point and I, for my part, think that whatever these structures are, I've always been someone dubious of all these different committees at the United Nations. And now we've got a Board of peace. What we need is the free world to be locking arms together against authoritarian regimes that would seek to redraw international lines by force. And my hope is that nations in Europe will heed Zelenskyy's call to take even more decisive action. And I think the time has come for the United States Senate to pass those strong secondary sanctions against nations that are fueling the Russian war machine through the purchase of oil. President Trump, I am told, informed Senator Graham that he would support the bill now, more than weeks ago. I don't know what the holdup is. I think it's time that we put even more pressure on. The way to peace is not through boards. The way to peace is through strength. And showing Vladimir Putin that the free world will not stand idly by while he wages this unprovoked invasion against Ukraine.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

Well, as you and I speak, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are having a late night meeting with Vladimir Putin. And after what you just mentioned, the comments from President Zelensky earlier today in Davos, how you rationalize these parallel negotiations that are underway, and if. Mr. Vice President, is there any reason why we should expect anything different from Putin this time?

[Mike Pence]

Vladimir Putin doesn't want peace, Michael Kirk.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

So is this a waste of time?

[Mike Pence]

He wants Ukraine.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Mike Pence]

And I have met Vladimir Putin. I've stood closer than I am to you. I've told him things he didn't want to hear. And I have never had any illusions about the man. Vladimir Putin has made it clear for now, more than a quarter century, that his ambition in life is to reassert that old Soviet sphere of influence. And Ukraine is a part of that. Crimea in Ukraine was a part of that. But his ambitions don't stop there. And I hold the view that now is not the time for more talk, more summits, more conversation. It's time for action. And having nations free up those frozen Russian assets as European powers are discussing, make them available to Ukraine, but also, again, passing those strong secondary sanctions that President Trump has said he would sign out of the United States Senate, sending them to the president's desk, putting real constraints on the energy industry in a Russia that fuels their war machine is the way go. Peace through strength has been always, always been the American path in my adult life, and it's still the answer today.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

Doesn't sound like you expect a breakthrough tonight, either. At the same time. This is quite a day in Washington to see the former special counsel Jack Smith testify on Capitol Hill. I don't know if you had an ear on his remarks, but he was pretty straightforward warning that there are potentially catastrophic, ongoing threats to US Democracy because of the failure to hold President Trump accountable for what he called his criminal attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Is he right?

[Mike Pence]

Well, I didn't have the opportunity to watch the hearings today, but I know what happened that day.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

You sure do.

[Mike Pence]

And I'll always believe, by God's grace, I did my duty to see to the peaceful transfer of power. But with regard to our democracy as a whole, it's important to remember that every Republican and Democrat on Capitol Hill also did their duty that day after the Capitol Hill police quelled the riot. Joe, we reconvened the very same day, Republicans and Democrats alike, and completed our duty under the Constitution of the United States. I've said that it's a day of tragedy, but it ultimately became a triumph of freedom because our institutions held, our democracy held, and I have great confidence about the future of this country and the future of democracy as a result.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

President says he wants his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to file charges against Jack Smith. Would that be a disservice to the nation?

[Mike Pence]

You know, I honestly think that one of the reasons President Trump returned to the White House was because of the overt weaponization that took place at the state level and at the federal level around the country of the criminal justice system. And I. I would rather see this administration end that practice and pull back from the breach of embracing the very, very type of weaponization that the president endured for those years. Look, I. As I said, I think the American people know what happened that day. History will be the judge of all of us in the events of that day. But I have great peace that we, we did our duty, and I trust myself and our service to the judgment of history.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

You know, what I haven't brought up yet in this entire lengthy conversation is the word affordability, which I think the administration wants me to talk about. This is the issue of the moment that might drive voters decisions in the midterm elections. The President got to this a bit in Davos yesterday, but consider some of the ideas that we've heard. Capping interest rates on credit cards, banning institutional buyers from the housing market, price controls. These are pages out of Elizabeth Warren's book, but they're coming from this administration. Is this a conservative White House?

[Mike Pence]

Well, those are not conservative policies. And the organization I created when I left the White House. Advancing American Freedom foundation has been making the case that while the Trump Pence years were defined by conservative policies at home and abroad, especially economic policies, that things are different now. I mean, the very idea that we would be imposing price controls on credit card companies when Joe, you and I, your viewers know that would simply limit the access of credit middle and lower income Americans, you know, the price control is also on pharmaceutical companies here in the home of the greatest research and development of medicines on earth. But I think the largest number and the best way to afford to, to address affordability, if you will, is to end this liberation day season of unilateral tariffs against friend and foe alike. I hold the view that the President's use of that authority is constitutionally questionable. I'm hopeful the Supreme Court will overturn the President's use of the tariff authority under the emergency statute. But there's no question when you look at the numbers that Bloomberg does better than anybody else in this economy. What's clear is that after six months of these tariffs imposed on some of America's leading trading partners, that American businesses and American consumers are paying American tariffs. We see the negative impact on jobs, we see the inflation. Although they boast that it's not as bad as it used to be, the fact is that the, the reason why affordability has made its way into the political conversation is because the American people see it at the grocery store and they're feeling it as consumers. And so I think ending this season of government intervention, whether it be tariffs which are taxes at the border, whether it be price controls, whether it be nationalization of businesses around the country. Now 13 different businesses have been subject to a nationalization steps by this administration. Let's get back to freedom. Let's get back to free markets. And I promise our group and I personally am going to continue to be a voice for the principles that have always made America free and prosperous.

[Joe (Interviewer)]

Well, stay in touch with us on your work at the aaf. It's great to have you back with us in our studios in Washington, the former Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. Great to have you here.

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