Mike Pence’s Surprise Visit to Ukraine and Support of Supreme Court Ruling Signals His Commitment to Traditional Foreign Policy and Civil Rights

Former Vice President Mike Pence made a surprise visit to Ukraine last week, highlighting a stark divide inside the Republican Party over American involvement in the country’s defense against Russia. Pence’s visit was the first by any of the crowded Republican 2024 presidential field, and sought to position himself as the party’s leading champion of the hawkish foreign policy that defined the party for decades.

In an interview with NBC, Pence said, “I truly do believe that now, more than ever, we need leaders in our country who will articulate the importance of American leadership in the world.” His visit drew a sharp contrast between Pence and his old boss, former President Donald Trump, who led their party in a more isolationist direction.

Pence also addressed the recent Supreme Court decisions, including the ruling in the case of 303 Creative v. Elenis, which ruled that the First Amendment protects a designer from creating speech that she does not believe. Pence voiced his support for the ruling, saying, “The First Amendment protects a designer from creating speech that she does not believe, which in this case would be a wedding website for a gay couple.”

The former Vice President’s visit to Ukraine is seen as a signal of his commitment to a more traditional foreign policy, and his support of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the 303 Creative v. Elenis case is seen as a signal of his commitment to civil rights. As the crowded Republican 2024 presidential field continues to grow, Pence’s visit to Ukraine and his support of the Supreme Court’s ruling will likely be seen as important markers for his campaign.