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
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.
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
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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]
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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”
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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]
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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
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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]
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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.
Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes
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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]
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
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.