Former Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said the United States should avoid escalating a trade conflict with Canada, warning that a full-blown trade war would be the “last thing” the American economy needs as it recovers.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Pence reacted to the collapse of trade talks on Friday night and the renewed round of tariffs between the two countries. The Canadian prime minister has blamed “unfair last minute demands” from the U.S., saying the administration asked too much and offered too little, and that Canada is “effectively at war” with the U.S. on trade.
When asked by host Dana Bash whether that conflict helps Americans right now, Pence responded directly: “Look, we hear about the issue of affordability right now and as you know I’ve taken a firm position since Liberation Day tariffs, that fortunately the Supreme Court turned over, that American businesses and American consumers pay American tariffs. And I think the last thing we need right now, as our economy is getting back on its feet, is a trade war with Canada.”
Pence’s remarks come as both countries have imposed 50% tariffs on each other’s goods — a “dollar for dollar” escalation, as Bash described it — after negotiations broke down. The former vice president framed the dispute as a matter of economic pragmatism rather than political posturing.
“My hope is, for the sake of American families and for the sake of the American economy, is that what we’re looking at here is negotiation and not confrontation in a trade war,” he said.
A Shift in Tone from the Trump Administration
Pence’s comments mark a notable departure from the more combative trade stance taken by President Donald Trump and many of his allies. While Pence did not directly criticize the administration, his emphasis on negotiation over confrontation and his reference to the Supreme Court striking down the earlier “Liberation Day tariffs” suggests a cautious approach to the trade dispute with Canada.
The former vice president has been a vocal advocate for affordability, and his remarks signal concern that tariffs — which he says are ultimately paid by American businesses and consumers — could undermine the economic recovery.
Trade analysts have noted that the current tariff structure could raise prices on a wide range of goods, from Canadian lumber and agricultural products to manufactured items. The collapse of talks on Friday has left the two countries at an impasse, with no clear timeline for resuming negotiations.
The Stakes for American Families
Pence’s warning about the impact on American families aligns with broader worries among economists that a prolonged trade war could reverse recent gains in consumer confidence and economic growth. The former vice president’s insistence that “American businesses and American consumers pay American tariffs” reflects a longstanding economic principle that tariffs are a tax on domestic buyers, not foreign sellers.
His comments on Sunday were among the most direct public statements from a prominent Republican on the Canada trade dispute, which has escalated sharply in recent days. The Canadian prime minister’s characterization of the situation as a trade war adds a layer of seriousness, and Pence’s call for negotiation may resonate with voters concerned about rising costs.
While Pence did not offer specific policy prescriptions, his remarks suggest that he sees the trade conflict as a potential liability for the administration’s economic agenda. His focus on the recovery and on affordability is a clear signal that he believes the dispute could hurt the administration politically if it drags on.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on whether the U.S. and Canada can find a path back to the negotiating table. Pence’s Sunday remarks could be seen as an early Republican voice urging restraint, even as the administration continues to press its demands.
The former vice president’s comments were brief but pointed, and they come at a time when trade policy is once again at the forefront of the national conversation. Whether his words will influence the administration’s approach remains to be seen, but his warning is clear: a trade war with Canada is a risk the U.S. economy can’t afford.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/08/23/pence-last-thing-our-economy-needs-is-a-trade-war-with-canada/