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The following is an exclusive interview with the former Vice President, Mike Pence, which will be aired on “Face the Nation” on July 2, 2023.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Former Vice President Mike Pence recently visited Ukraine and is now joining us on his way back to the U.S. Good morning, sir.
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE: Good morning, Margaret. Thank you for having me on.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s start with some important domestic news. This past week has been filled with significant Supreme Court decisions. You have expressed support for the 303 Creative v. Elenis case, which ruled that the First Amendment protects a designer from creating speech that goes against their beliefs, as in the case of designing a wedding website for a gay couple. What do you say to those who believe this decision promotes discrimination?
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Margaret, first and foremost, I want to emphasize the importance of religious freedom, which is our first freedom enshrined in the First Amendment. Following the Supreme Court’s recognition of same-sex marriage, there was also a commitment to respect the freedom of religion and conscience of all Americans, as Justice Gorsuch previously stated. In the case of Lorie Smith, she made it clear that she would serve all customers for website design but could not create a website celebrating something that conflicted with her religious beliefs. As a Bible-believing Christian, I personally believe in traditional marriage between one man and one woman. However, I respect the right of every American to live, work, and worship according to their own conscience. The Supreme Court’s decision, with the support of our administration’s appointed justices, protected religious freedom for all Americans, regardless of their faith.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, to clarify, you are not advocating for refusing services based on sexual orientation?
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: No, I want to make it clear that this is not about refusing services based on sexual orientation. The cases in question, both from Colorado, dealt with the issue of public accommodations. If you operate a public accommodation, whether it be a cake bakery or a web design business, you are required to serve all customers. That is the definition of a public accommodation. However, the Supreme Court ruled, in both the Jack Phillips and Lorie Smith cases, with a 7-2 majority, that individuals cannot be compelled to create products that go against their conscience or religious beliefs. This decision upholds the freedom of religion and conscience, and it was a victory for faith and religious freedom. I am grateful to see the three justices appointed during our administration join the majority and reaffirm this commitment to our first freedom.
MARGARET BRENNAN: How can you assure the public that you will provide equal treatment to all, especially considering the concerns raised?
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: I firmly believe in the freedom of religion and conscience for every American. As a constitutional conservative, I am committed to upholding the language of the Constitution. The Supreme Court’s decisions in the cases of Jack Phillips and Lorie Smith demonstrate this commitment to protecting religious liberty. We should celebrate our freedom this weekend, respecting the freedom of every American, regardless of their religious beliefs. The Supreme Court drew a clear line and upheld religious liberty, and that is how America works.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s discuss the affirmative action ruling. Do you believe there are racial inequities in the American education system?
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made towards a more perfect union, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Supreme Court’s efforts to ensure equal access to education regardless of race. Affirmative action was initially implemented as a temporary solution to open the doors of opportunity for everyone. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor herself predicted its eventual demise within 25 years, and it has indeed come to pass sooner. The achievements of minority students in our educational institutions are a testament to the fact that the doors have been opened. I believe we can continue to move forward as a nation, judging individuals not by their skin color but by their character and academic achievements.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you deny the existence of racial inequities in the education system presently?
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: I believe there were racial inequities in the past that warranted the implementation of affirmative action. However, we have made tremendous progress since then. The accomplishments of minority students, particularly African Americans, highlight the success of our educational system in creating opportunities for all. I am confident that doors will remain open, and we can continue progressing towards a colorblind society, which is the aspiration of every American.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The court also ruled that President Biden does not possess the legal authority to forgive student debt for 40 million Americans, as he had attempted to do. President Biden argued that Republican officials opposed providing relief to working-class and middle-class Americans. How do you respond to that?
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: First of all, it is important to state the facts. The Supreme Court upheld the interpretation of the Constitution held by President Biden and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. President Biden initially acknowledged that he lacked the authority to forgive student debt, and Speaker Pelosi stated that it would require congressional action. Despite this, they proceeded with their own actions. The Supreme Court unequivocally defended the separation of powers and Congress’s prerogative under the Constitution. As for the political argument, it is simply not accurate. It is important to prioritize staying within the bounds of the Constitution and respecting the separation of powers.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for joining us, Vice President Pence.
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Thank you, Margaret. It was a pleasure to speak with you.
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