Mike Pence is back, and he's still living in denial. The former Vice President, who was unceremoniously booted from Trump's inner circle after January 6th, is now claiming that President Trump "hasn't really changed the Republican Party" despite Trump's historic second victory and complete transformation of the GOP into a populist, America First powerhouse.
Speaking to Fox News ahead of his new book launch, Pence insisted that preserving "conservative principles" amid what he calls "rising GOP populism" is somehow the "calling of his life." Translation: Pence is still bitter that the Republican Party left his brand of establishment, swamp-friendly politics in the dust.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Here's what Pence conveniently ignores: Trump didn't just win in 2024—he delivered a decisive victory that gave Republicans control of Washington. The MAGA movement has brought millions of working-class Americans, including former Democrats, into the Republican fold. Meanwhile, Pence's own presidential campaign was such a disaster it barely registered in the polls before he dropped out.
"Trump upended 'some aspects' of GOP agenda but 'hasn't really changed the Republican Party,'" Pence claimed, apparently with a straight face.
Some aspects? Trump completely revolutionized the party's approach to trade, foreign policy, immigration, and government accountability. The old GOP establishment that Pence represents—the one that gave us endless wars, job-killing trade deals, and open borders—has been thoroughly rejected by Republican voters.
Who's Really Out of Touch?
While President Trump is busy delivering on his promises with mass deportations, government efficiency reforms, and America First policies, Pence is writing books about preserving a conservative movement that failed Americans for decades. The irony is rich: the man who couldn't energize a high school gymnasium is lecturing the most successful Republican politician in generations about party leadership.
Patriots know the truth: Trump didn't just change some aspects of the GOP—he saved it from irrelevance. The question isn't whether Trump changed the party, but whether establishment relics like Pence will ever accept that their time is over.