Vice President Pence Supports Military Detention, Contradicts Pentagon by Declaring ‘Tuberville is Right’

Former Vice President Mike Pence has thrown his support behind Senator Tommy Tuberville in his protest against the Pentagon’s policy on reimbursing the costs of abortions for service members. Pence stated during a speech in D.C. that he would overturn the Department of Defense policy that Tuberville opposes.

Pence’s declaration comes at a time when there is growing bipartisan criticism of Tuberville’s holds on military promotions. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who is also running for the Republican presidential nomination, agreed that the Pentagon’s policy was wrong, but criticized Tuberville for using military families for political gain.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Michael McCaul also criticized Tuberville for his stance on the holds, stating that it was paralyzing the Pentagon and causing a national security issue. These concerns have been echoed by Senate Democrats and Pentagon officials.

The holds have already resulted in the absence of permanent leaders in top positions in the Army, Military, and Navy. As Gen. Mark Milley, the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is set to retire by the end of the month, pressure is mounting to resolve the standoff.

Amidst these developments, hundreds of military family members have signed a petition urging Tuberville to end the holds. Tuberville, on his part, has stated that he would relent if the Democratic leadership in the Senate holds a vote on the policy. He has also blamed the Biden administration for the holds, accusing them of injecting politics into the military.