Mike Pence: From Vice President to Independent Voice – Receiving Kennedy Award and Shaping Policy Debate

Recognition for Constitutional Courage

Former Vice President Mike Pence has been awarded the 2025 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his resolute stance in ensuring the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6, 2021. The award recognizes Pence’s firm commitment to democracy despite extraordinary pressure to overturn the 2020 election results.

Current Political Influence

Through his political advocacy group, Pence has maintained an active presence in national politics, spending nearly $1 million on various political initiatives while delivering speeches and lobbying members of Congress on crucial policy matters.

Working through Advancing American Freedom, his political advocacy group, Pence has adopted a measured approach to current politics. Rather than taking an oppositional stance, they aim to praise administration policies they agree with while raising concerns about those they oppose, maintaining focus on traditional conservative principles.

Policy Positions and Recent Activities

In recent developments, Pence has voiced criticism of President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs, warning about potential “price shock” to the economy and suggesting that Americans might soon demand alternative approaches.

In the academic sphere, Pence has taken on a new role as Distinguished Fellow for Faith and Public Life at Grove City College in Pennsylvania, where he teaches seminar and lecture courses in political science. His teaching commitments include both in-person and video conference appearances.

Looking Forward

Despite the current political climate, Pence continues to advocate for civility in democracy, maintaining his conservative principles while emphasizing the importance of mutual respect. As he has stated, “Democracy depends on a heavy dose of civility” and though he remains firm in his beliefs, he supports others’ right to their own convictions.