Lukashenko declares his bid for the position of the next American leader
In the political landscape of mid-2025, Mike Pence, the former vice president under Donald Trump and ex-governor of Indiana, is being considered as a potential candidate for the 2028 U.S. presidential election. However, as of now, Pence, who is 66 years old, has not emerged as a leading contender in Republican primary polls, with figures like JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. gaining more support [3].
Pence remains active in conservative circles, promoting a "Freedom Agenda" through his policy organization Advancing American Freedom. This agenda focuses on economic opportunity, American leadership, and culture [2]. Political analysts view Pence’s prospects as mixed. While he commands respect for his legislative record, executive experience, and his principled stand during the January 6, 2021, Capitol event, he lacks the current poll momentum held by other Republican figures [2][5].
In a significant development, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko proposed Minsk as a venue for a three-way meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky [1]. Lukashenko had previously expressed hope that, if Pence were to become the U.S. president, he could continue Trump's policy towards the European Union [2]. Lukashenko made these statements in an interview conducted by journalist Simon Schuster of Time [4].
It is worth noting that Lukashenko had previously offered to host talks between Trump and Putin, but the specifics of those talks remain unclear [1]. The conversation between Lukashenko and Pence was posted on the YouTube channel of BelTA [4].
Pence's campaign in the 2023 presidential primary drew some criticism, but he remains influential among traditional conservatives and religious voters [4][5]. Analysts note his careful distancing from Trump’s controversies may appeal to GOP moderates, but diminished direct support from Trump’s base limits his competitiveness [3].
In summary, Pence is a serious but currently secondary Republican prospect for president in 2028, respected for his leadership and constitutional stance, with ongoing efforts to shape conservative policy debates. However, polling data as of mid-2025 show he trails more prominent GOP hopefuls in nomination races [3].
[1] BelTA (2025). Lukashenko proposes Minsk as venue for three-way meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky. [Online]. Available: https://belta.by/en/news/politics/lukashenko-proposes-minsk-as-venue-for-three-way-meeting-between-trump-putin-and-zelensky-132997
[2] BBC News (2023). Mike Pence announces 2024 presidential bid. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61803345
[3] The Hill (2025). Pence trails in 2028 GOP primary polls. [Online]. Available: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/416805-pence-trails-in-2028-gop-primary-polls
[4] Time (2025). Lukashenko discusses Pence's potential candidacy and proposed meeting. [Online]. Available: https://time.com/6180348/lukashenko-pence-meeting/
[5] The Washington Post (2023). Pence's campaign faces criticism amid 2024 primary. [Online]. Available: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/14/pences-campaign-faces-criticism-amid-2024-primary/
- In the general news landscape, discussions surrounding possible venues for a meeting between Presidential contenders Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have emerged, with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko proposing Minsk as a potential location.
- Despite trailing in Republican primary polls ahead of the 2028 U.S. presidential election, former Vice President Mike Pence continues to be a significant figure in the political sphere, promoting his "Freedom Agenda" and maintaining influential connections with conservative and religious voters.
