Transcript: Former Vice President Mike Pence on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 31, 2026 Former Vice President Mike Pence, in an interview promoting his book “What Conservatives Believe,” expresses concern that the Republican Party is shifting from a principled conservative agenda to a populist movement driven by grievance. He contrasts the traditional conservative tenets of limited government, free markets, and traditional values with what he perceives as the populist right’s embrace of isolationism, protectionism, and marginalization of core issues like the right to life. Pence specifically criticizes former President Trump’s actions and policy shifts, arguing they do not align with conservative principles, and expresses disappointment in the party’s apparent reluctance to challenge these trends.

• Mike Pence’s new book, “What Conservatives Believe,” aims to redefine and remind conservatives of their core principles.
• Pence argues a rise in ‘populist right’ politics focuses on grievance rather than a positive conservative agenda.
• He criticizes former President Trump for embracing policies like price controls, tariffs, and marginalizing the right to life.
• Pence believes the Republican Party needs to return to its foundational values of limited government, free markets, and traditional morals.
• He expressed concern over the handling of the January 6th Capitol riot aftermath, including the idea of a ‘weaponization fund’ and the whitewashing of events.
• Pence advocates for a return to a strong, principled conservative party committed to freedom and free markets.