Pence attributes GOP midterm loss to tariffs, corruption and unfinished Iran war

Former Vice President Mike Pence said the Republican Party’s defeat in the recent midterm elections was driven by President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, concerns about corruption and the administration’s failure to conclude the war in Iran. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Pence disagreed with Vice President JD Vance’s assessment that the war alone caused the loss, arguing that "it wasn’t because President Trump started the war or took on Iran. It’s because we stopped short and didn’t finish it," and adding that voters were frustrated by rising fuel prices and a perceived policy of appeasement.

Pence also criticized the administration’s stance on Israel, stating that America must continue to support its "most cherished ally" and warning that criticism of Israel can devolve into antisemitism. He cited a Fox News voter poll showing that 55% of respondents considered government corruption a crucial factor in their vote, while 36% said it was a major factor.

The former vice president pointed to the president’s second-term tariffs, the handling of abortion medication and the first family’s increase in wealth as additional reasons for the GOP’s setbacks. When asked whether the president and his family had improperly profited from office, Pence said he had no way of knowing and would not speculate.

Pence concluded that the party must return to traditional conservative principles to regain congressional majorities, emphasizing that voters rejected the direction taken by the administration rather than shifting leftward.