Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Wikimedia Commons
Pence Calls Trump Jesus Imagery Offensive And Warns Tariffs Hurt Economy
Former Vice President Mike Pence in a recent interview called President Trump's use of Jesus imagery "offensive" and warned that tariffs are straining the economy. He said the use of religious imagery went beyond political branding and was "offensive" to many Christians, while he cautioned that tariffs are raising costs and squeezing economic activity.
Pence's remarks come from a prominent conservative voice who still influences Republican debates about trade and the role of religion in public life. His critique highlights growing tensions within the GOP over tone and economic policy as some Republicans distance themselves from populist rhetoric and protectionist measures.
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📌 Key Facts
- Pence told MS NOW on April 22, 2026 that he found Trump's Jesus-like self-imagery "offensive" and welcomed the removal of at least one such image.
- He urged Trump to stop feuding with Pope Leo, saying "let the pope be the pope, and you be the president."
- Pence said uncertainty around Trump's broad-based tariffs is impacting the economy and praised the Supreme Court for striking them down as taxes that must originate in Congress.
- He said tariffs on "friend and foe alike" have strained U.S. relations with allies and cited German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's doubts about U.S. leadership.
- Pence argued the U.S. and other free nations must keep arming Ukraine and criticized Vice President JD Vance for boasting that support had ended.
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April 23, 2026