Explosive Showdown: Pence Unleashes Savage Assault on Trump as GOP Primary Gets Fiercer

Former Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized his ex-supervisor, former President Donald Trump, on Sunday. Pence expressed his concerns about Trump's stance on abortion and his remarks regarding the war in Ukraine during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union." Pence reminded viewers that while Trump campaigned as a conservative in 2016 and governed accordingly during his four-year term, he no longer pledges to do so.

"He is embracing a politics of appeasement on the international stage, forsaking our position as the leader of the free world. He is willing to disregard the pressing debt crisis that Americans are facing. Moreover, he seeks to marginalize the fundamental right to life," stated Pence.

Pence's remarks mark a notable intensification in his campaign criticisms aimed at Trump. While he has consistently condemned Trump's actions on January 6, 2021, the former governor of Indiana has approached other topics concerning the Republican frontrunner with greater caution.

When asked about Trump's comments to NBC regarding his willingness to negotiate with Putin and Zelensky, Pence stated that ending the war quickly would require giving Putin what he wants, which is also advocated by other Republican candidates. Pence also distanced himself from Trump on the topic of abortion, reaffirming his support for a federal ban after 15 weeks and expressing his disagreement with Trump and other GOP candidates who want to leave the decision to the states.

Earlier this month, Pence urged his party to steer clear of the rising wave of populism led by Trump and his followers. He criticized Trump for echoing President Joe Biden and disregarding the forthcoming debt crisis in the United States. These attacks coincide with Trump's unwavering dominance in the Republican race to challenge Biden in the upcoming year, as indicated by a recent CNN poll.

Of the potential GOP primary electorate, a significant 43% are unquestionably in favor of Trump for the nomination, while 20% firmly support another candidate. Meanwhile, 37% either have no initial preference or claim they are uncertain and open to changing their minds. Reporting by Veronica Stracqualursi from CNN.