Former VP Mike Pence Criticizes Trump's Tariffs, Says They Hurt American Businesses and Consumers

Former Vice President Mike Pence has criticized President Donald Trump's tariff policies, saying they hurt American businesses and consumers. Pence pointed to Ford Motor's $800 million tariff bill and argued that tariffs are taxes paid by Americans. He also framed the issue as a matter of constitutional authority, stating that only Congress has the power to impose tariffs. Pence warned against alienating allies and called for "free trade with free nations."

Former Vice President Mike Pence has stepped up his criticism of President Donald Trump's tariff policies, arguing that they are hurting American manufacturers and driving up costs for consumers. Pence highlighted Ford Motor's $800 million tariff bill as a prime example, noting that the automaker reported a first quarterly loss since 2023 due to the tariff costs [1].

Pence pointed out that despite building more vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, Ford was forced to pay $800 million in tariffs during the second quarter of 2025, which is estimated to reduce annual profits by about $3 billion. Similar costs have hit General Motors, which lost over $1 billion in the same quarter [1].

The former vice president framed the issue as a matter of constitutional authority, stating that only Congress has the power to impose tariffs. He drew a historical parallel, noting that it was tariffs on tea that helped initiate the American Revolution [1].

Pence also warned against alienating allies, emphasizing the importance of "free trade with free nations" and the need to maintain united economic pressure on China. He criticized the use of broad-based tariffs on "friend and foe alike," arguing that they are paid by American businesses and ultimately by American consumers [1].

In a separate post, Trump claimed that tariffs have delivered "a huge positive impact" on the US stock market and warned that a federal court ruling against his tariff policies could lead to an economic collapse akin to the 1929 Great Depression [2]. Trump expressed confidence in the judicial system while cautioning about the potential for "turmoil, failure, and disgrace" if it sided against his trade agenda.

The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments against Trump's tariff policy on July 31, but no interim ruling has been delivered. The court's decision could have significant implications for the U.S. economy and global trade relations [2].

References:
[1] https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/08/47063866/mike-pence-calls-for-free-trade-with-free-nations-and-says-tariffs-ultimately-hurt-u-s-businesses-and-shoppers
[2] https://www.ndtvprofit.com/global-economics/donald-trump-warns-of-great-depression-if-us-court-rules-against-tariff-policy