BREAKING: Pence says failing US cities are 'not his concern' as Tucker grills him on Ukraine

The exchange proved tense, with Pence at one point proclaiming that a degraded American economy, increased public filth, and skyrocketing suicides are “not my concern.” In another fiery moment, Carlson pressed Pence as to how he, a “prominent Christian leader,” could back the Zelensky government, which has gone after members of its nation’s Orthodox Church.

“You are stressed that the Ukrainians don't have enough American tanks,” Carlson said to Pence during the interview. “Every city in the United States has become much worse over the past three years. Drive around. There's not one city that's gotten better in the United States, and it's visible. Our economy has degraded the suicide rate has jumped public filth. And disorder and crime have exponentially increased. And yet, your concern is that the Ukrainians a country, most people can't find out a map who've received 10s of billions of US tax dollars don't have enough tanks. I think it's a fair question to ask like, where's the concern for the United States? In that?”

Pence promptly replied, “It's not my concern,” adding, “I've heard that routine from you before, but that's not my concern.” He then went on to talk about Joe Biden weakening the United States before briefly going into some of the policies he hopes to put in place. 

Carlson also confronted Pence on his support for Ukraine’s ruling regime, questioning what he has done to stand up against it allegedly violating the religious liberties of Christians. 

“You recently met with Zelensky, according to news reports, and I'm wondering if during that meeting as a prominent Christian leader, which you are in addition to your political views, you broach the question of his treatment of Christians within Ukraine?” Carlson asked, before adding, “The Zelensky government has raided convents arrested priests as effectively banned and denomination of Christian denomination Ukrainian Orthodox Church within Ukraine has persecuted Christians and I wonder if you raise that with him.” 

Pence responded by insisting he “did raise the issue” during his visit to Kiev, claiming that he spoke with an Orthodox Church leader, who assured him that “the Zelensky government in Ukraine was respecting religious liberty even while recognizing that there were very small elements of the Russian Orthodox Church, that were being utilized for the purpose of advancing the Russian cause in Ukraine.”

Carlson shot back that it is transparently obvious that “the Zelinsky government has arrested and priests for having views they disagree with,” which is “not consistent with religious liberty.” He then noted that the US is “funding it,” and asked: “But I sincerely wonder how a Christian leader could support the arrest of Christians for having different views?”

The former vice president reiterated that he spoke with a Christian leader, and then began to filibuster with a speech about why the US ought to hand over more free money and military weapons to Ukraine.

Eventually, Carlson interjected, telling Pence he is dodging the question.

“I told you I raised the issue of religious liberty,” declared a frustrated Pence.  

“No you spoke to one person who's clearly on one side of it … and there are many, many news reports that are not disputed by anybody that many clergy have been arrested in Ukraine,” countered Carlson.