Former Vice President Mike Pence has a plan to reverse the rise of “populism” within the Republican Party.

Pence, who identifies far more as a social and moral conservative than, say, Donald Trump, is launching a $20 million effort called the “American Solutions Project,” which falls under the banner of his own political advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom. 

In a statement provided to RealClearPolitics, Pence warned of the risks of “movements” and “personalities” shaping the conservative agenda. 

Our nation was founded on conservative principles that have stood the test of time. The Constitution and this great American experiment must not be swayed by movements or personalities, but must hold fast to the time-honored principles that have made America strong and prosperous and free.

According to The Hill, which obtained a copy of the plan, Pence’s efforts involve a “three-pronged approach” that most notably seeks to “reverse the right’s drift towards populism.”

The Hill reported:

The first will be to shape political majorities by creating a policy platform for candidates to embrace “and reverse the Right’s drift toward populism and the Left’s embrace of socialism.”

The second piece is focused on championing conservative legislation and advancing Pence’s policy priorities, which include promoting free trade, limiting government spending, restoring U.S. leadership on the world stage, and confronting China.

The third and final part of the project is aimed at protecting conservative principles, such as limited government.

…

The $20 million investment will allow Advancing American Freedom to expand its staff, build out its infrastructure and promote its work. RealClearPolitics first reported that former Heritage Foundation President Ed Feulner will join the group, as will major conservative donor Art Pope and Catholic University board of trustees chair Victor Smith.

Although the plan does not mention Donald Trump by name, it will undoubtedly be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the former president’s grip over the Republican Party and the conservative movement as a whole. It will also attempt to sway the agenda towards the more social brand of conservatism that figures such as Pence represent. 

NEW: Mike Pence announces a $20 million project to “fight GOP’s drift toward populism.”

Another $20 million wasted that could be spent fighting the actual bad guys next November. https://t.co/ou73gegU96

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 21, 2024

Trump and Pence’s relationship infamously collapsed following the events of January 6th, 2021, when the former vice-president rejected his superior’s request to challenge the certification of the contested results of the 2020 presidential election.

Since then, Pence has launched his unsuccessful bid for the White House only to be squashed by the Republican competition. He has also sought to distance himself from the former president and accused him of “endangering” his family during the events of January 6th. 

“President Trump was wrong,” Pence said at an event last year. “I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.”

Meanwhile, with Trump’s grip on the nomination all but secured, the search for his running mate is well underway. Mike Pence will not be a part of that conversation.