“Nobody Cares Anymore”: Mike Pence’s Fall from Grace as Public Rejects His Critiques of Trump
Washington, D.C., May 2025 — Once considered a stabilizing voice of traditional conservatism, former Vice President Mike Pence is now struggling to find an audience for his political commentary. As Donald Trump commands a second presidency with renewed authority, Pence’s recent criticisms are being met with apathy, derision, and open hostility — even from within the Republican Party he once helped lead.
A viral social media post summarized the prevailing mood with biting clarity:
“I looked to the right. I looked to the left. I looked up and I looked down. And after all that, I still couldn’t find anyone who gives a rat’s ass about what Pence thinks.”
This sentiment, once confined to partisan echo chambers, has now become a common refrain across mainstream media, political podcasts, and even conservative forums that previously lauded Pence for his religious values and calm demeanor.
From Trusted Insider to Political Outsider
During his tenure as Vice President, Pence was frequently praised for his unwavering loyalty to Trump and his quiet influence behind the scenes. He was often seen as the adult in the room — a spiritual and strategic counterbalance to Trump’s impulsive style.
But that reputation has unraveled in the years since the 2020 election. Pence’s refusal to block the certification of the Electoral College vote earned him scorn from the MAGA faithful, while his post-administration criticism of Trump has failed to win over moderates who view his actions as too little, too late.
“Pence wanted to have it both ways,” said Republican strategist Kara Mitchell. “He spent four years enabling Trump and then tried to pivot to statesman once the wind shifted. Voters see that for what it is: political cowardice.”
Criticisms That Land Nowhere
In a recent op-ed and public appearances, Pence warned against the “dangerous direction” of Trump’s second term, criticizing his foreign policy decisions and what he called “reckless personnel choices.” He alluded to Trump surrounding himself with “yes men and loyalists,” and lamented the lack of experienced leadership in key agencies.
Yet these warnings appear to have had minimal impact.
“Where was this Pence in 2017, 2018, 2019?” asked political commentator Angela Brooks on MSNBC. “He helped build this machine. Now he wants credit for trying to slow it down — when the brakes were ripped out years ago?”
Even longtime conservatives who once supported him now question his timing and motivation.
Resentment from the MAGA Base
At recent Trump rallies in Florida and Michigan, chants of “traitor” and “coward” erupted at the mere mention of Pence’s name. Many attendees still hold Pence responsible for not overturning the 2020 election results, a fantasy stoked by conspiracy theories and far-right media figures.
“He betrayed Trump, and he betrayed us,” said Brian Carter, a rallygoer in Tampa. “He was supposed to stop the steal, but instead he let the swamp win.”
Others blame him for recommending establishment-friendly “RINO” appointments during the first Trump term — officials who were viewed by hardliners as obstacles to Trump’s more radical agenda.
A Legacy in Limbo
Pence’s political identity now appears to be caught in a no-man’s-land — too tainted by Trump for centrists, yet too critical of Trump for the base.
A recent Gallup poll found that only 9% of Republican voters have a favorable opinion of Pence, down from nearly 70% during his time in office. Among independent voters, 61% said they view him as “irrelevant” in current political discourse.
“He played it safe for too long,” said Dr. Charles Renner, a professor of political history at George Washington University. “Pence wanted to be the moral compass of the Trump era, but moral compasses don’t work if they’re buried in the back pocket.”
Conclusion: A Man Without a Movement
As Donald Trump barrels forward with bold, controversial reforms and a Cabinet stacked with loyalists, Pence’s critiques are landing with a dull thud. His calls for caution and institutional integrity ring hollow in an era dominated by populism, tribal loyalty, and a thirst for decisive action — however chaotic.
Whether Mike Pence intends to run again or simply hopes to shape conservative thought from the sidelines, the public message is clear:
He had his chance. He made his choices. And now, no one is listening.
Sources:
- Gallup Public Opinion Survey, April 2025
- NBC’s Meet the Press interview with Mike Pence, May 2025
- Rally coverage, Tampa & Detroit, via CNN Politics, May 2025
- The Wall Street Journal Op-Ed by Mike Pence, April 2025
- Interview with Dr. Charles Renner, GWU, Political History Department
- Public commentary via X (formerly Twitter), May 2025
- MSNBC, Angela Brooks commentary segment, May 2025