Answer Summary
The Vice President of the United States in 2018 was Mike Pence. He served from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, under President Donald Trump. In 2018, Pence was in his second year of the administration, focused on economic policy, trade, international relations, and serving as a key presidential surrogate. This article explains the constitutional role of the vice president, Pence’s background, his priorities and activities in 2018, and how the office has evolved in the modern era.
The Constitutional Role of the Vice President
The vice president’s constitutional duty is to preside over the U.S. Senate and to act as president of the Senate, casting a vote only to break a tie. Article I, Section 3 designates this role, and since the 12th Amendment (1804), the vice president has been elected alongside the president as a single ticket. Beyond presiding, the vice president supports the president and is first in the line of succession, followed by the Speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate.
Mike Pence in 2018: Background and Early Career
Michael R. Pence served as the 48th vice president from 2017 to 2021. Before that, he was the governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017 and a U.S. Representative from 2001 to 2013. A longtime conservative voice, Pence built his career on traditional policy positions on social issues, fiscal restraint, and a strong pro-Israel stance. His selection as Trump’s running mate in 2016 marked a shift for the Trump ticket toward more conventional conservative policy credentials.
What Was Mike Pence Focused on in 2018
Economic Policy and Tax Reform Implementation
In 2018, Pence frequently emphasized the economic agenda of the Trump administration. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act remained a central achievement, and Pence worked to highlight benefits for workers and businesses throughout the year. In speeches and events, he framed the growing economy, rising wages, and business confidence as evidence of the administration’s stewardship.
Trade and International Negotiations
Pence played a prominent public role in communicating U.S. trade policy, including negotiations over steel and aluminum tariffs and the U.S.–China trade relationship. In 2018, he underscored a hardline stance on China, emphasizing national security, intellectual property concerns, and the need for reciprocal trade practices. He also traveled extensively to reinforce alliances in Asia and Europe amid ongoing trade tensions.
Diplomacy and National Security
On the global stage, Pence represented the administration at key summits and visited allied nations. He addressed issues such as North Korea’s missile program, stressing maximum pressure alongside diplomatic engagement. His national security role included coordinating messaging on defense budgets, military modernization, and counterterrorism priorities.
Pence’s Day-to-Day Duties in 2018
Much of Pence’s time in 2018 involved travel, public speaking, and acting as a surrogate for the president. He campaigned for Republican candidates during a challenging midterm cycle, addressed conservative groups on judicial appointments and regulatory rollback, and frequently appeared on news programs to articulate the administration’s positions. He also regularly attended Cabinet meetings and participated in policy discussions within the West Wing.
Notable 2018 Moments Involving Pence
Throughout 2018, Pence’s office advanced several policy initiatives, including the administration’s approach to the opioid crisis, space policy via the National Space Council, and efforts on criminal justice reform. He frequently highlighted the stock market’s performance and job growth as benchmarks of economic stability. While the year included periods of heightened tension with Congress and partisan disagreement, Pence remained a steady public communicator for the president’s agenda.
How Modern Vice Presidency Has Evolved
In recent decades, vice presidents have taken on more visible policy and diplomatic roles. They often lead signature initiatives, travel abroad frequently, and serve as senior White House advisors on strategy and communications. The vice president’s office is now a center for national security and legislative coordination, with staff supporting everything from speechwriting to policy coordination. This evolution means that figures like Pence in 2018 were more active in public policy than earlier vice presidents who primarily presided over the Senate.
Quick Reference: U.S. Vice President in 2018
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Mike Pence | Official records |
| Term | January 20, 2017 – January 20, 2021 | Official records |
| President | Donald Trump | Official records |
| Year in focus | 2018 (second year of administration) | Historical timeline |
| Prior role | Governor of Indiana (2013–2017) | Official records |
| Political party | Republican | Official records |
Key Takeaways
- In 2018, the vice president was Mike Pence.
- The vice president presides over the Senate and is first in the line of succession.
- Pence’s 2018 focus areas included tax implementation, trade with China, and national security.
- Modern vice presidents often lead policy initiatives and represent the president abroad.
- Pence served as Trump’s running mate in 2016 and governed as a traditional conservative Republican.
Related Topics
- 2018 midterm elections
- U.S. vice president powers and duties
- Mike Pence career and political positions
- Trump administration policy priorities in 2018
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was vice president in early 2018?
Mike Pence held the vice presidency in early 2018, as he did throughout the entire year under President Donald Trump.
What does the vice president do day to day?
Day-to-day duties include advising the president, attending Cabinet meetings, representing the administration publicly, traveling for diplomacy and campaign events, and, constitutionally, presiding over the Senate.
How many vice presidents served during Trump’s presidency?
One: Mike Pence served the full term from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump.
Could the vice president preside over the Senate in 2018?
Yes. The vice president is the president of the Senate and may cast tie-breaking votes. In Pence’s case, he cast several tie-breaking votes on legislation during 2018.
Where can I find official records of Pence’s 2018 activities?
Official records, speeches, and press releases from 2018 are available through the National Archives, the White House archives, and the official vice president office website (historical sections).