“The Constitution Is the Common Ground on Which We Stand”, Says Pence
WASHINGTON – AAF Founder Vice President Mike Pence received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award this week for his service to our country and his leadership putting principle above politics. Pence joined CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins for an exclusive sit down after receiving the award to reflect on the role of the Constitution and the time-honored principles that helped the first Trump administration deliver wins for the American people.
WATCH: Vice President Mike Pence Receives the Profile in Courage Award
Vice President Mike Pence:
“It was deeply humbling for me to receive the recognition of the Profile in Courage award last night… as I shared last night, the thing that I am more convinced of than ever is that as we face challenges in our country at home and abroad, as we resolve difference between Americans, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand.”
“The American people cherish our Constitution. They cherish our rich traditions in liberty, and I think recognizing that the people of this country will always stand on that common ground should be a great source of encouragement to all of us.”
On why free trade with free nations is the best path forward:
“I think ultimately [a 10% broad-based tariff] would stifle American growth, limit prosperity, drive up costs for American consumers. We ought to be driving again toward that principle of free trade with free nations and standing tough, standing firm on authoritarian regimes like China.”
“When it comes to authoritarian regimes, we ought to get tough, stay tough, and demand that they open their markets and respect our intellectual property.”
On what the 47th President can learn from the 45th:
“I hope even from the outside I can remind the president of the policies that succeeded in our administration—policies that created security and prosperity and strengthened the values of the American people.”
WATCH: Vice President Mike Pence’s Exclusive Sit Down with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins
Advancing American Freedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and advancing conservative policy solutions and principles that improve the lives of all Americans. For media requests, please reach out to press@advancingamericanfreedom.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Advancing American Freedom Founder Vice President Mike Pence penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal this week arguing that, now more than ever, America needs the ideas and policies that made the first Trump administration a success.
Vice President Pence writes that adherence to the time-honored principles that created prosperity during the president’s first term is the best way to build something lasting for America’s future:
“President Trump deserves credit for an energetic and effective start. His instincts on security, strength and sovereignty are as sharp as ever. But if we want to see this nation become truly great again, we can’t exchange time-tested conservative principles for populist platitudes. We need to stand with our allies and stand up to our enemies. We need to cut taxes and tariffs, keep our military strong and well-funded, and lead on the world stage.”
He also cautions against a counterproductive tariff policy, instead urging the renewal of the historic Trump tax cuts:
“Mr. Trump’s proposed tariffs would be the largest peacetime tax hike in American history, harming consumers and driving inflation. Broad-based tariffs may scratch a populist itch, but protectionist economics are no substitute for principled conservatism. The Trump administration can still get the economy back on track through free trade with free nations, even as the U.S. retains targeted tariffs on adversaries such as China. Instead of punishing free nations, we should rally them—uniting the democratic world in trade agreements that isolate China, not Europe and our Pacific allies.”
“Extending all the Trump-Pence tax cuts must also be an immediate priority. Failure to do so would amount to the largest middle-class tax hike in modern history, costing millions of American jobs. Congress should also resist populist calls to raise the top rate, a move that would put an enormous burden on small-business owners, including farmers and manufacturers.”
Advancing American Freedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and advancing conservative policy solutions and principles that improve the lives of all Americans. For media requests, please reach out to press@advancingamericanfreedom.com.
WASHINGTON, DC – Vice President Mike Pence joined the Wall Street Journal’s Kim Strassel All Things podcast yesterday to discuss how the second Trump Administration compares to the first as it nears the end of its first hundred days. In a wide-ranging conversation with Kim Strassel, Vice President Pence speaks about what the Trump team is getting right, what it’s getting wrong, and more about his work as the founder of Advancing American Freedom.
LISTEN: Former Vice President Mike Pence Grades Trump 2.0
Vice President Pence warned Republicans about the bad politics of raising taxes, speaking to the pro-growth policies that were so effective in the Trump-Pence Administration and the risks of stepping away from those policies today:
“Republicans don’t raise taxes, Republicans cut taxes. There should be no higher priority for the Congress and this administration than to make the Trump tax cuts permanent.”
“What they will call a millionaire tax would be an enormous tax increase on small businesses in this country.”
“To talk about raising marginal rates, even at the top level, is bad policy and bad politics.”
Pence urged Republicans to say no to broad-based tariffs:
“I think what will remain is a 10 percent across-the-board tariff on all goods, not for negotiations, but as industrial policy. I believe that will be inflationary, harmful to American consumers, and harmful to American growth.”
“I said a month ago [broad-based tariffs] would amount to the largest peacetime tax hike in U.S. history.”
Pence also explained the mistake of not enforcing the TikTok ban:
“TikTok is digital fentanyl. …This administration is working to try and find a way to leave what is essentially a Chinese spyware active in the country.”
“You would never, at the height of the Soviet Union, have allowed the Soviet Union to run the Wall Street Journal. It’s inconceivable. But that’s what TikTok is.”
“The TikTok legislation forcing the sale or banning TikTok is the law of the land. And for the sake of the American people, it needs to be enforced.”
Advancing American Freedom has launched a $10 million nationwide grassroots education campaign calling for Congress to swiftly renew the historic Trump-Pence tax cuts and deliver on the promise of pro-growth tax reform that lowers taxes for everyone. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was a roaring success for the American people that led to lower taxes, more jobs, and a booming economy. AAF will continue to urge Congress to resist any attempts to raise taxes on Americans.
AAF has repeatedly urged an end to tariffs and last week launched a six-figure ad campaign urging Washington to say no to tariffs. AAF will continue to advocate against leaving broad-based tariffs in place that could counteract the pro-growth agenda that worked so well in President Trump’s first term.
Advancing American Freedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and advancing conservative policy solutions and principles that improve the lives of all Americans. For media requests, please reach out to press@advancingamericanfreedom.com.
Urges Republicans to Stand Firm Against Tax Hikes
WASHINGTON, DC – Advancing American Freedom sent a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, and Republican Members of Congress today urging them not to allow any tax hike to advance through Congress on Republicans’ watch. AAF’s letter follows reports that the White House is considering raising the top income tax bracket to 40% – higher than Kamala Harris’ proposed top tax rate.
AAF’s President Tim Chapman and Board Chairman Marc Short write:
“Congress must continue to stand firm against tax hikes.
“Republicans ran and won on a consistent promise of tax cuts in 2024. The Republican Party Platform that year committed to ‘build the greatest economy in history’ by ‘cutting taxes,’ to ‘make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent… and pursue additional Tax Cuts.’
“Now, White House aides appear poised to undermine these promises and past accomplishments, contemplating a top tax rate of 40%—even higher than the rate Democrats campaigned on in 2024.
“President Trump and Republicans in Congress promised to make the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent and work to secure further tax cuts. Republicans should stick to their promises and not pull pages from Kamala Harris’ losing policy platform.
“The American people voted for tax cuts, not tax hikes. Advancing American Freedom calls on Republicans to swiftly renew the across-the-board tax cuts that unleashed prosperity during President Trump’s first term and deliver on the promise to make America prosperous again.”
AAF will continue to urge Republicans to deliver on the promise to pass pro-growth tax reform that lowers taxes for everyone. President Kennedy, President Reagan, and President Trump all passed tax cuts that lowered taxes for everyone, and each led to a booming economy and more jobs. Under the Trump-Pence administration, lower tax rates resulted in a significant increase in federal tax revenue that greatly outpaced inflation.
AAF also will continue to caution that raising taxes on “those at the top” often impacts small businesses, which generate more than half of new jobs and very often pay the top personal income tax rate.
Click HERE to read AAF’s letter.
Click HERE for more on why Congress must renew the historic Trump-Pence tax cuts before they expire.
Advancing American Freedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and advancing conservative policy solutions and principles that improve the lives of all Americans. For media requests, please reach out to press@advancingamericanfreedom.com.
WASHINGTON, DC – Advancing American Freedom President Tim Chapman released the following statement on the news that the Trump Administration has embraced a partial pause to many of the broad-based tariffs imposed on U.S. trading partners:
“We welcome the Trump Administration’s 90-day pause on broad-based tariffs and its focus on the real national security threat that China presents. Advancing American Freedom has been leading the charge for a framework that is tough on China while encouraging free and fair trade with our allies. We can improve our trading relationship with countries around the world, but leaving in place a 10% broad-based tariff would ultimately drive inflation and harm working families. We urge the Administration to develop a long-term plan for pursuing free trade with free nations.”
Advancing American Freedom has repeatedly urged an end to tariffs and this week launched a six-figure ad campaign urging Washington to say no to tariffs. AAF will continue to advocate against leaving broad-based tariffs in place that could counteract the pro-growth agenda that worked so well in President Trump’s first term.
Advancing American Freedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and advancing conservative policy solutions and principles that improve the lives of all Americans. For media requests, please reach out to press@advancingamericanfreedom.com.
Campaign Spotlights Sixth-Generation Iowa Farmer: “Rural America Will Pay Biggest Price”
WASHINGTON, DC – Advancing American Freedom has launched the first in a new slate of ads urging an end to the tariffs that will counteract the pro-growth agenda that worked so well in President Trump’s first term.
The digital ads launching in Iowa and Washington, DC as part of a six-figure campaign will feature testimonial from a sixth-generation Iowa farmer on why rural America will pay the biggest price for protectionist tariff policies. The farmer shares:
“We are very concerned about the impact that tariffs will have on our farms and livelihoods.
“Tariffs increase farm input costs and that impacts farm incomes. Family farms like mine will be negatively affected.
“We need fair trade, not tariffs that lead to higher prices or foreclosures on family farms.
“Say no to tariffs. Tell politicians in Washington this has to stop.”
WATCH: “Rural America Will Pay the Biggest Price”
AAF President Tim Chapman said:
“Tariffs harm American workers, farmers, and families and we are urging a swift end to this protectionist policy that could undermine President Trump’s pro-growth agenda.
“It’s more critical than ever for Congress and the Administration to make progress on renewing the historic Trump-Pence tax cuts and get back to the conservative formula of tax cuts and deregulation that worked so well during President Trump’s first term.”
Last week, Advancing American Freedom released a memo showing that the Trump tariffs will cost American families more than $3,500 per year. These extra costs will make the American Dream unaffordable as Americans are still recovering from four painful years of Biden policies.
Click HERE for more.
Advancing American Freedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and advancing conservative policy solutions and principles that improve the lives of all Americans. For media requests, please reach out to press@advancingamericanfreedom.com.
WASHINGTON, DC – Advancing American Freedom (AAF) announced today that Sydney Stubbs has joined the organization as Vice President of Communications. With this addition to its leadership team, AAF is expanding its role as a conservative institution that is quickly becoming a powerhouse in public policy.
Stubbs’ work in public relations spans more than a decade in the conservative movement and roles advising in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and The White House. Prior to joining AAF, Stubbs was Communications Director for the millions-strong grassroots network Americans for Prosperity. She has led communications for the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee under Ranking Member Senator Mike Lee, as well as in the U.S. House of Representatives. Stubbs previously served at The White House as Deputy Director and Correspondent to Vice President Mike Pence. She holds an M.A. in Religion from Yale Divinity School and a B.A. in Government from Patrick Henry College.
AAF President Tim Chapman made the following statement:
“Sydney Stubbs is the thoughtful and capable leader we need to guide our communications at Advancing American Freedom as we serve as a conservative bellwether on key issues facing the American people and policymakers. She is a seasoned strategist with a deep understanding of the conservative movement and a record advising at the highest levels of government. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
Stubbs said on joining the AAF team:
“I’m excited about what we are building at Advancing American Freedom and it’s a privilege to join the AAF team. AAF has an incredible opportunity to lead the conservative movement and our country forward, and I look forward to our work advancing policies that empower people to thrive.”
Advancing American Freedom is a nonprofit institution dedicated to developing and advancing conservative policy solutions and principles that improve the lives of all Americans. For media requests, please reach out to press@advancingamericanfreedom.com.
WASHINGTON, DC – Advancing American Freedom (AAF) announced today that it has welcomed Roger Custer as Director of Development as the organization raises its $20 million budget to support its work advocating for conservative public policy.
Roger Custer is a recognized leader in nonprofit fundraising and management, having served at various organizations in the conservative movement for more than 20 years, including as CEO of America’s Future Foundation from 2011-2017. He earned a B.A. at Ithaca College and an M.P.A. in nonprofit management at George Mason University.
AAF President Tim Chapman made the following statement on Custer joining the AAF team:
“We are thrilled to have Roger Custer join our team as Advancing American Freedom continues to grow and expand our impact in the conservative movement. Roger has led incredible growth for several organizations across the conservative landscape. There is no one better positioned to help AAF scale our advocacy for conservative public policy solutions that improve the lives of all Americans.”
Custer commented on the announcement:
“I’m honored to join AAF at this crucial time for the conservative movement and our nation. I look forward to engaging with donors and colleagues who are committed to standing firm for the principles that have made our country what it is today.”
Advancing American Freedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and advancing conservative policy solutions and principles that improve the lives of all Americans. For media requests, please reach out to press@advancingamericanfreedom.com.
Advancing American Freedom today announced an expansion of the policy team with the hire of Joel Griffith, a former research fellow at the Heritage Foundation.
“We could not be more excited to welcome Joel Griffith to our team this year,” said AAF President Tim Chapman. “In 2025 Advancing American Freedom intends to play a leadership role in advocating for conservative economic policies that will ensure American prosperity. Whether it be it extending the tax cuts, cutting wasteful spending, or debating the proper use of tariffs, Joel has demonstrated his commitment to free markets and American dynamism. I look forward to working side by side with him as we seek to accomplish our policy goals.”
“I’m honored to join the AAF policy team. As the conservative movement wrestles with economic policies, it’s time to champion the benefits of free markets and limited government while warning of the dangers of protectionism, fiscal recklessness, and government interventionism. I’m looking forward to engaging in these conversations through AAF,” said Joel Griffith.
