Former Vice President Mike Pence took a stand against the practice of American presidents criticizing the country while on foreign soil. He specifically addressed President Trump’s recent comments during a speech in Saudi Arabia.
Trump’s Criticism of American Policies
During his speech in Saudi Arabia, President Trump criticized Western intervention in the Middle East by various groups. Pence, in response, expressed his disapproval of presidents criticizing America while overseas.
Pence’s Disapproval of Trump’s Statements
Pence emphasized that questioning America’s global war on terror and describing it as nation-building and interventionist was a disservice to American service members who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. He found it particularly troubling that the speech was delivered in Saudi Arabia, considering the country’s connection to the 9/11 attacks.
Concerns About Accepting Gifts from Qatar
In addition to criticizing Trump’s speech, Pence also raised concerns about the president accepting a $400 million jet from Qatar. He highlighted Qatar’s ties to Hamas, an Iran-backed militant group, and urged the president to reconsider the decision.
Shift in Trump’s Foreign Policy Approach
Pence’s criticism underscored a significant shift in Trump’s approach to the Middle East between his first and second term. Trump’s recent actions, including accepting gifts and praising foreign leaders, mark a departure from his earlier stance on issues like the travel ban and terrorism funding.
Overall, Pence’s remarks reflect a broader debate about the role of American presidents in shaping foreign policy and the implications of their statements on the global stage.
